No one in their right mind likes buying auto insurance, especially when the prices are way too high. You have so many insurers to purchase coverage from, and although it’s a good thing to have multiple companies, more options can take longer to compare rates and find the lowest cost auto insurance.
Some providers don’t always list the entire discount list very well, so we took the time to find some of the best known and also the more inconspicuous credits that may apply to you.
Don’t be surprised that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Most only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So even though you would think you can get free auto insurance, nobody gets a free ride.
Some companies that may offer most of these discounts include:
If you need low cost insurance quotes, ask every company which discounts you qualify for. Some credits may not apply in your area.
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there is no “best” method to buy coverage. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions may help highlight if you might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, free and can help protect your family.
Understanding the coverages of your insurance policy can be of help when determining appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be ambiguous and reading a policy is terribly boring. Listed below are typical coverage types found on most insurance policies.
Collision insurance
This will pay to fix damage to your xD resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision insurance covers claims like rolling your car, hitting a mailbox, scraping a guard rail, colliding with a tree and crashing into a ditch. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to bring the cost down.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims like hitting a bird, damage from a tornado or hurricane and damage from getting keyed. The maximum amount a insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include medical payments for you and your occupants and also any damage incurred to your Scion xD.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Frequently these coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
Liability
Liability coverage protects you from damage that occurs to other’s property or people in an accident. This insurance protects YOU from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. Your policy might show limits of 50/100/50 which means $50,000 bodily injury coverage, a total of $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Alternatively, you may have one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which limits claims to one amount without having the split limit caps.
Liability coverage pays for claims like bail bonds, emergency aid, medical services and structural damage. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as high a limit as you can afford.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for immediate expenses like funeral costs, prosthetic devices and ambulance fees. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to you and your occupants as well as getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
There are still a few companies who do not offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell coverage through independent insurance agencies. Cheaper car insurance is attainable from both online companies and with local insurance agents, and you should compare rates from both so you have a total pricing picture.
When searching for cheaper insurance quotes, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many cases, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest cost but still have enough coverage for asset protection.
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