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Find a car insurance calculator, or use the one in resources below. The calculator is set up to analyze your ability to afford an accident, which in turn will estimate the amount of coverage you should purchase for peace of mind.
Step 2
Enter your personal and financial information. All of the questions are usually yes or no and it only takes a few minutes to determine the coverage you need. Be honest when answering questions like: Do you park your car in a high-theft area? These questions determine the type of coverage that will get you back on the road in the least amount of time.
Step 3
Look at your results page. You will probably have a deductibles for collision and comprehensive. The lower your deductible, the higher you will pay for your insurance. The calculator will give you all of the figures you should be looking for when you search for quotes, so you won't have to determine these yourself.
Which company has the best auto insurance?
Since we all have unique needs, the "best auto insurance" will most likely be a different one because it all depends on what our individual needs and expectations are. There are many factors to consider when determining what better suits our specific needs such as price, carrier financial stability, coverage availability, customer service, reputation, claims handling and more.
No insurer out there is best for everyone because it depends on what we feel classifies auto insurance as being the better one. Some drivers may be on a budget and determine that price is the most important factor and others may say that a company who offers the high level of protection they're looking for is superior.
To find the best option for you specifically, complete an auto insurance comparison to compare price and other important factors such as financial stability from multiple leading companies.
The Best Car Insurance from a Professional Standpoint
From a professional's point of view, the best car insurance is one which:
offers the coverage needed
is competitively priced
is financially stable
is a state admitted carrier
has good customer service (includes claims handling)
As previously mentioned, coverage and competitive pricing is unique to each of us. The carrier offering the lowest price will most likely differ for each of us because many factors come into play such as where one lives, the car they driver, their driving record, marital status and more. This is why you will see that many consumer guides encourage that you get auto insurance quotes from multiple companies in order to find cheaper rates.
A top rated insurance company may be one with a strong financial stability. Being financially stable gives the policyholder an added feeling of security knowing that they will be there when it's time pay up in case of a claim. Looking at the past, there has been insurers which become unstable and unable to pay out money for vehicle damages and injuries often leaving the policyholder with medical and body shop bills. This is why it is important to also consider other important factors such as the financial strength of a company when in the market for the best insurer.
No insurer out there is best for everyone because it depends on what we feel classifies auto insurance as being the better one. Some drivers may be on a budget and determine that price is the most important factor and others may say that a company who offers the high level of protection they're looking for is superior.
To find the best option for you specifically, complete an auto insurance comparison to compare price and other important factors such as financial stability from multiple leading companies.
The Best Car Insurance from a Professional Standpoint
From a professional's point of view, the best car insurance is one which:
offers the coverage needed
is competitively priced
is financially stable
is a state admitted carrier
has good customer service (includes claims handling)
As previously mentioned, coverage and competitive pricing is unique to each of us. The carrier offering the lowest price will most likely differ for each of us because many factors come into play such as where one lives, the car they driver, their driving record, marital status and more. This is why you will see that many consumer guides encourage that you get auto insurance quotes from multiple companies in order to find cheaper rates.
A top rated insurance company may be one with a strong financial stability. Being financially stable gives the policyholder an added feeling of security knowing that they will be there when it's time pay up in case of a claim. Looking at the past, there has been insurers which become unstable and unable to pay out money for vehicle damages and injuries often leaving the policyholder with medical and body shop bills. This is why it is important to also consider other important factors such as the financial strength of a company when in the market for the best insurer.
10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice EditorEmail
IntroductionThe following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."Step 1: Starting OutWhen it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance PolicyBefore you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.Step 4: Solicit Competitive QuotesNow that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.Begin with the online services. If you go to InsWeb.com or other online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.You can also try getting quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Liberty Mutual, Geico or Progressive. These forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.Step 5: Record and Compare QuotesWhile you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:
Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later) Step 6: Work the PhonesOnce you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.Step 7: Look for DiscountsWhile talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance CompanyYou now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:
Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies. Step 9: Review the Policy Before You SignSo, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:
Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.
Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim. Step 10: Cancel Your Old PolicyAfter you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance. Checklist
Determine your state's insurance requirements.
Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.
Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?
Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.
Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as InsWeb.com, YouDecide.com and InsureOne.com.
Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.
Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.
Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.
If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy.
IntroductionThe following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."Step 1: Starting OutWhen it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance PolicyBefore you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.Step 4: Solicit Competitive QuotesNow that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.Begin with the online services. If you go to InsWeb.com or other online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.You can also try getting quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Liberty Mutual, Geico or Progressive. These forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.Step 5: Record and Compare QuotesWhile you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:
Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later) Step 6: Work the PhonesOnce you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.Step 7: Look for DiscountsWhile talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance CompanyYou now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:
Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies. Step 9: Review the Policy Before You SignSo, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:
Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.
Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim. Step 10: Cancel Your Old PolicyAfter you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance. Checklist
Determine your state's insurance requirements.
Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.
Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?
Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.
Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as InsWeb.com, YouDecide.com and InsureOne.com.
Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.
Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.
Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.
If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice EditorEmail
There is a very good chance that you are — this very moment — paying too much for your car insurance. There is an even better chance that you could get a better rate, from another insurance company, than you could from your existing insurer. So why not take an hour or so and review your policy for potential savings? Or, if you're fed up with the high insurance rates from your current insurer, shop around for a new company. The Internet has created increasing competition between car insurance companies. It is easier than ever for consumers to shop for low insurance rates, to analyze coverage and compare premiums. Still, studies have shown that people don't shop around for insurance in the same way they might shop for a new car. Also, people tend to stay with the same car insurance company for years. Why not prove these studies wrong? Put the power of the Net to work for you and save money in the process.
You can save on auto insurance in five ways:
Make sure you get all discounts you qualify for
Keep your driver's record clean and up-to-date
Adjust your coverage to assume more risk
Drive a "low profile" car equipped with certain money-saving safety features
Shop around for a good, low cost insurance providerFirst, let's look at the discounts you might qualify for. Discounts fall into a number of categories:
Low-risk occupations
Professional organizations
Combined coverage
Discounts for safety features
More risk assumed by driver
Discounts for senior citizens
Low-Risk Occupations Insurance is a numbers game. Adjustors collect information about what types of people get into accidents. Over the years they see a trend. Drivers that work as engineers tend to get into fewer accidents. Why? It would be fun to speculate about the reasons (pocket protectors — need we say more?) but the insurance companies don't really care about that. All they know is that, in fact, engineers are a low risk. Since there is less chance that they will wrap their cars around the trunk of a horse chestnut tree, they charge engineers less for insurance. Simple. But you say you are a teacher instead of an engineer? You might still be in luck. There may be discounts for teachers. You never know unless you ask — and unless you shop around. Not all insurance companies are the same. Professional Organizations and Auto Clubs Have you ever been about to pay $100 for a hotel room, only to discover that a AAA discount saves you 15 percent? Now you're paying $85 and feeling proud of yourself. It's similar in the insurance business. Affiliation with AAA — and certain other professional organizations — will lower your rates. You should check with your employer to see if there are any group insurance rates. At the same time try checking directly with the insurance company representative when you inquire about the cost of policies.Combined and Renewal Discounts A big source of savings is to insure your cars with the same company that insures your house. Make sure you ask if combined coverage is available. This will lower your payments on your car insurance and make your homeowner's policy cheaper too. It's also important to make sure you are getting a "renewal" discount that many car insurance companies offer. This is a discount given to people who have been with the same insurance company for an extended period of time. If you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and not had an accident, your insurance company likes you. Think about it. You paid them a lot of money and they didn't have to do anything except send you bills and cash your checks. True, they were ready to do something if you got in an accident. But you didn't get into an accident so they're happy and want to continue their relationship with you. A renewal discount is a good incentive to urge you to return. And it's a good reason for you to stay with them. Discounts for Auto Safety Features Auto safety features will also lower your payments. Heading the list of money saving safety features is antilock brakes. Certain states — such as Florida, New Jersey and New York — encourage drivers to buy cars with antilock brakes by requiring insurers to give discounts. Check to see if you live in such a state, or if the insurance company you are considering gives a discount for this feature. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are also frequently rewarded with insurance discounts. Assume More Risk Two powerful ways to bring your coverage down is to assume a higher risk. This is done in two ways. The most dramatic reduction can be realized by dropping your collision insurance on an older car. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you'll probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you?Another way to redesign your policy — and save money in the process — is to ask for a higher deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest. In other words, you pay for the little dings and bumps and let your insurance company pay for the heavy hits. For example, a common deductible amount is $500. This means if an accident you're in causes $1,500 worth of damage, you pay $500 and the insurance company pays $1,000. You could, however, set your deductible to $1,000. This still covers you against heavy losses, but it may decrease your monthly premium by as much as 30 percent. As a final note, if you are being strangled by high insurance costs, keep this in mind when you go car shopping next time. The more expensive and higher-performance the car is, the higher the premium will be. This is particularly true of cars that are frequently stolen, or are expensive to repair. The insurance company keeps this in mind when setting its insurance rates for this vehicle. Shop for a low-profile car and get your kicks in other ways. You'll love the savings you'll see on your auto
There is a very good chance that you are — this very moment — paying too much for your car insurance. There is an even better chance that you could get a better rate, from another insurance company, than you could from your existing insurer. So why not take an hour or so and review your policy for potential savings? Or, if you're fed up with the high insurance rates from your current insurer, shop around for a new company. The Internet has created increasing competition between car insurance companies. It is easier than ever for consumers to shop for low insurance rates, to analyze coverage and compare premiums. Still, studies have shown that people don't shop around for insurance in the same way they might shop for a new car. Also, people tend to stay with the same car insurance company for years. Why not prove these studies wrong? Put the power of the Net to work for you and save money in the process.
You can save on auto insurance in five ways:
Make sure you get all discounts you qualify for
Keep your driver's record clean and up-to-date
Adjust your coverage to assume more risk
Drive a "low profile" car equipped with certain money-saving safety features
Shop around for a good, low cost insurance providerFirst, let's look at the discounts you might qualify for. Discounts fall into a number of categories:
Low-risk occupations
Professional organizations
Combined coverage
Discounts for safety features
More risk assumed by driver
Discounts for senior citizens
Low-Risk Occupations Insurance is a numbers game. Adjustors collect information about what types of people get into accidents. Over the years they see a trend. Drivers that work as engineers tend to get into fewer accidents. Why? It would be fun to speculate about the reasons (pocket protectors — need we say more?) but the insurance companies don't really care about that. All they know is that, in fact, engineers are a low risk. Since there is less chance that they will wrap their cars around the trunk of a horse chestnut tree, they charge engineers less for insurance. Simple. But you say you are a teacher instead of an engineer? You might still be in luck. There may be discounts for teachers. You never know unless you ask — and unless you shop around. Not all insurance companies are the same. Professional Organizations and Auto Clubs Have you ever been about to pay $100 for a hotel room, only to discover that a AAA discount saves you 15 percent? Now you're paying $85 and feeling proud of yourself. It's similar in the insurance business. Affiliation with AAA — and certain other professional organizations — will lower your rates. You should check with your employer to see if there are any group insurance rates. At the same time try checking directly with the insurance company representative when you inquire about the cost of policies.Combined and Renewal Discounts A big source of savings is to insure your cars with the same company that insures your house. Make sure you ask if combined coverage is available. This will lower your payments on your car insurance and make your homeowner's policy cheaper too. It's also important to make sure you are getting a "renewal" discount that many car insurance companies offer. This is a discount given to people who have been with the same insurance company for an extended period of time. If you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and not had an accident, your insurance company likes you. Think about it. You paid them a lot of money and they didn't have to do anything except send you bills and cash your checks. True, they were ready to do something if you got in an accident. But you didn't get into an accident so they're happy and want to continue their relationship with you. A renewal discount is a good incentive to urge you to return. And it's a good reason for you to stay with them. Discounts for Auto Safety Features Auto safety features will also lower your payments. Heading the list of money saving safety features is antilock brakes. Certain states — such as Florida, New Jersey and New York — encourage drivers to buy cars with antilock brakes by requiring insurers to give discounts. Check to see if you live in such a state, or if the insurance company you are considering gives a discount for this feature. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are also frequently rewarded with insurance discounts. Assume More Risk Two powerful ways to bring your coverage down is to assume a higher risk. This is done in two ways. The most dramatic reduction can be realized by dropping your collision insurance on an older car. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you'll probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you?Another way to redesign your policy — and save money in the process — is to ask for a higher deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest. In other words, you pay for the little dings and bumps and let your insurance company pay for the heavy hits. For example, a common deductible amount is $500. This means if an accident you're in causes $1,500 worth of damage, you pay $500 and the insurance company pays $1,000. You could, however, set your deductible to $1,000. This still covers you against heavy losses, but it may decrease your monthly premium by as much as 30 percent. As a final note, if you are being strangled by high insurance costs, keep this in mind when you go car shopping next time. The more expensive and higher-performance the car is, the higher the premium will be. This is particularly true of cars that are frequently stolen, or are expensive to repair. The insurance company keeps this in mind when setting its insurance rates for this vehicle. Shop for a low-profile car and get your kicks in other ways. You'll love the savings you'll see on your auto
How to Choose the Right Insurance Company
By Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor , Edmunds.comEmail
If you've read our "10 Steps to Buying Insurance" article, you should have a pretty good idea of how much car insurance to buy and how to find a low-cost policy. But how do you make sure that the company you sign on with is going to be reliable? When we say "reliable," we're talking about how the insurer treats you, the customer. Most importantly, how will the company deal with you when you file a claim?To help answer this question, we consulted two insurance experts: Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and a retired insurance adjuster, and Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy group. Both had several ideas for consumers determined to make sure their car insurance investment is directed toward a trustworthy company, one that will pay on time and in full.1) Visit your state's department of insurance Web site. Although you may not be familiar with it, your state, and every state, has a department of insurance. Most departments have Web sites, and many publish "consumer complaint ratios" for all of the insurance companies that sell policies in their state. This ratio tells you how many complaints a car insurance company received per 1,000 claims filed.Both experts recommended that consumers use complaint ratios to screen prospective insurers. "Just because they're a big name doesn't mean that they'll be a 'good neighbor' or that you'll be 'in their hands,'" Heller noted.If you've done your homework, you should already have a list of car insurance companies with the lowest premium quotes. Now jot down the companies with the lowest (or best) complaint ratios. Then, compare your two lists — the companies that rank best on both lists merit your strongest consideration.If you can't find complaint ratios for your state, Heller recommends examining the complaint ratios published by other states. Keep in mind that a single insurance company's practices can vary significantly from state to state — a subpar ratio in one state doesn't necessarily mean the situation is the same in your state. But watch for general trends. If an insurer is getting a lot of complaints in several other states, you probably don't want to get involved with this company. The I-CAN Web site provides links and contact information for every state's department of insurance.Also note that insurance department Web sites often provide basic rate comparison surveys. These can give you a rough idea of which insurers might interest you on a financial basis without the hassle of typing in all your personal information (as you must when you use one of the online quote sites).2) Find out which insurers body shops recommend. One of the best ways to identify reliable insurers, according to Howard, is to contact local body shops that you trust and ask for their recommendations. Body shop managers have a unique perspective to offer, since they regularly interact with insurance adjusters. They know which companies have the smoothest claim processes, which affects how quickly the work can be completed on a damaged vehicle. And they know which companies are pushing aftermarket parts, in lieu of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, to cut costs.3) Check the J.D. Power Ratings. J.D. Power and Associates collects data from individual policyholders nationwide and rates them according to coverage options, price, claims handling, satisfaction with company representatives and the overall experience. A quick visit to the J.D. Power Consumer Center will give you a feel for how the major carriers stack up. J.D. Power also publishes an annual survey of major auto insurers — Amica and Erie have finished at the top for the last three years. These are also companies that Howard recommends: "Erie is sold by independent agents, who are very knowledgeable about the product. I like their claims handling approach. Almost all other companies look at a claim and find a way to not pay it. Erie and Amica will look at it and try to find a way to cover it."4) Consider insurers' financial strength ratings. As a final check, you can take a look at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings. Both companies publish financial strength ratings for all insurance companies — these "measure" an insurance company's ability to pay out a claim (they have nothing to do with the way a company treats its customers).For the general consumer, looking up these ratings is only a formality, since most of the well-known carriers are going to be a safe bet. Moreover, independent agents would be unlikely to recommend a company with dubious financial standing. Still, if you're considering a smaller, unfamiliar insurance carrier, you might consider this research time well spent. Insurance companies often provide this information on their Web sites, but if not, you can run a search at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's sites.The A.M. Best rating is expressed as a letter grade from A++ (the highest) to D. Some companies may be assigned ratings of E (indicating regulatory action regarding the company's solvency), F (in liquidation) and S (suspended). In any case, you should only work with companies that have at least a B+ rating.The Standard & Poor's ratings range from AAA (the highest) to CC. Additionally, some companies receive ratings of R (under regulatory supervision) and NR, which means "not rated." The letter grades might be modified by a plus or minus mark. Consider only those companies that have at least a BBB rating.5) Still confused? Consider working with an agent. It used to be that everyone purchased auto insurance from an agent, but now, car insurance companies like Esurance, Geico and others allow you to purchase insurance directly — over the phone from a customer service representative or online. Still, many of the major players have preserved their national networks of local agents — even if you use State Farm's or Allstate's Web site, you will still be assigned a local agent.There are two kinds of agents:
a) the captive agent, who represents only one insurance company (major carriers like AAA, Allstate and State Farm sell policies through captive agents).b) the independent agent, also known as a broker, who represents several insurance companies and therefore does not have a vested interest in selling you a policy from one particular company.The main advantage in having your own agent is that this person has a vested interest in keeping you happy. Accordingly, he can become familiar with your situation and guide you toward a suitable policy. Howard favors the use of agents and advised, "Don't rule out direct providers, but my personal preference is to have an agent, preferably an independent agent, write your policy for you.... An independent agent would become aware of less advantageous conditions with one company [and help you move to another]. You can change carriers without changing your agent. I encourage consumers to develop a relationship with their agent."The prospect of good working relations with an agent may help you to make a decision: When Heller purchased auto insurance for the first time, two insurers gave him similar quotes, but he went for the slightly higher one because the agent had been highly recommended by a friend. "You shouldn't go direct without always checking out other options," he said.But, he cautioned, "Never feel pressured by a broker or an agent. Take the time to talk with an agent or a broker as well as do your online research. You may not need an agent — you may find a better deal with a company that operates direct."Independent agents sometimes charge a fee for their services, but you may be able to negotiate that. You should agree upon any fee in writing before making a purchase. Look for agents who are certified by Independent Insurance Agents of America (Big "I") or Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).Of course, we know you have better things to do with your time than think about car insurance. Realistically, most people won't be able to do everything on this list before choosing an insurance carrier. But if you feel that you've been burned during the claims process in the past, consider at least one or two of these suggestions — you'll thank yourself if you're ever involved in another accident.
If you've read our "10 Steps to Buying Insurance" article, you should have a pretty good idea of how much car insurance to buy and how to find a low-cost policy. But how do you make sure that the company you sign on with is going to be reliable? When we say "reliable," we're talking about how the insurer treats you, the customer. Most importantly, how will the company deal with you when you file a claim?To help answer this question, we consulted two insurance experts: Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and a retired insurance adjuster, and Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy group. Both had several ideas for consumers determined to make sure their car insurance investment is directed toward a trustworthy company, one that will pay on time and in full.1) Visit your state's department of insurance Web site. Although you may not be familiar with it, your state, and every state, has a department of insurance. Most departments have Web sites, and many publish "consumer complaint ratios" for all of the insurance companies that sell policies in their state. This ratio tells you how many complaints a car insurance company received per 1,000 claims filed.Both experts recommended that consumers use complaint ratios to screen prospective insurers. "Just because they're a big name doesn't mean that they'll be a 'good neighbor' or that you'll be 'in their hands,'" Heller noted.If you've done your homework, you should already have a list of car insurance companies with the lowest premium quotes. Now jot down the companies with the lowest (or best) complaint ratios. Then, compare your two lists — the companies that rank best on both lists merit your strongest consideration.If you can't find complaint ratios for your state, Heller recommends examining the complaint ratios published by other states. Keep in mind that a single insurance company's practices can vary significantly from state to state — a subpar ratio in one state doesn't necessarily mean the situation is the same in your state. But watch for general trends. If an insurer is getting a lot of complaints in several other states, you probably don't want to get involved with this company. The I-CAN Web site provides links and contact information for every state's department of insurance.Also note that insurance department Web sites often provide basic rate comparison surveys. These can give you a rough idea of which insurers might interest you on a financial basis without the hassle of typing in all your personal information (as you must when you use one of the online quote sites).2) Find out which insurers body shops recommend. One of the best ways to identify reliable insurers, according to Howard, is to contact local body shops that you trust and ask for their recommendations. Body shop managers have a unique perspective to offer, since they regularly interact with insurance adjusters. They know which companies have the smoothest claim processes, which affects how quickly the work can be completed on a damaged vehicle. And they know which companies are pushing aftermarket parts, in lieu of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, to cut costs.3) Check the J.D. Power Ratings. J.D. Power and Associates collects data from individual policyholders nationwide and rates them according to coverage options, price, claims handling, satisfaction with company representatives and the overall experience. A quick visit to the J.D. Power Consumer Center will give you a feel for how the major carriers stack up. J.D. Power also publishes an annual survey of major auto insurers — Amica and Erie have finished at the top for the last three years. These are also companies that Howard recommends: "Erie is sold by independent agents, who are very knowledgeable about the product. I like their claims handling approach. Almost all other companies look at a claim and find a way to not pay it. Erie and Amica will look at it and try to find a way to cover it."4) Consider insurers' financial strength ratings. As a final check, you can take a look at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings. Both companies publish financial strength ratings for all insurance companies — these "measure" an insurance company's ability to pay out a claim (they have nothing to do with the way a company treats its customers).For the general consumer, looking up these ratings is only a formality, since most of the well-known carriers are going to be a safe bet. Moreover, independent agents would be unlikely to recommend a company with dubious financial standing. Still, if you're considering a smaller, unfamiliar insurance carrier, you might consider this research time well spent. Insurance companies often provide this information on their Web sites, but if not, you can run a search at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's sites.The A.M. Best rating is expressed as a letter grade from A++ (the highest) to D. Some companies may be assigned ratings of E (indicating regulatory action regarding the company's solvency), F (in liquidation) and S (suspended). In any case, you should only work with companies that have at least a B+ rating.The Standard & Poor's ratings range from AAA (the highest) to CC. Additionally, some companies receive ratings of R (under regulatory supervision) and NR, which means "not rated." The letter grades might be modified by a plus or minus mark. Consider only those companies that have at least a BBB rating.5) Still confused? Consider working with an agent. It used to be that everyone purchased auto insurance from an agent, but now, car insurance companies like Esurance, Geico and others allow you to purchase insurance directly — over the phone from a customer service representative or online. Still, many of the major players have preserved their national networks of local agents — even if you use State Farm's or Allstate's Web site, you will still be assigned a local agent.There are two kinds of agents:
a) the captive agent, who represents only one insurance company (major carriers like AAA, Allstate and State Farm sell policies through captive agents).b) the independent agent, also known as a broker, who represents several insurance companies and therefore does not have a vested interest in selling you a policy from one particular company.The main advantage in having your own agent is that this person has a vested interest in keeping you happy. Accordingly, he can become familiar with your situation and guide you toward a suitable policy. Howard favors the use of agents and advised, "Don't rule out direct providers, but my personal preference is to have an agent, preferably an independent agent, write your policy for you.... An independent agent would become aware of less advantageous conditions with one company [and help you move to another]. You can change carriers without changing your agent. I encourage consumers to develop a relationship with their agent."The prospect of good working relations with an agent may help you to make a decision: When Heller purchased auto insurance for the first time, two insurers gave him similar quotes, but he went for the slightly higher one because the agent had been highly recommended by a friend. "You shouldn't go direct without always checking out other options," he said.But, he cautioned, "Never feel pressured by a broker or an agent. Take the time to talk with an agent or a broker as well as do your online research. You may not need an agent — you may find a better deal with a company that operates direct."Independent agents sometimes charge a fee for their services, but you may be able to negotiate that. You should agree upon any fee in writing before making a purchase. Look for agents who are certified by Independent Insurance Agents of America (Big "I") or Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).Of course, we know you have better things to do with your time than think about car insurance. Realistically, most people won't be able to do everything on this list before choosing an insurance carrier. But if you feel that you've been burned during the claims process in the past, consider at least one or two of these suggestions — you'll thank yourself if you're ever involved in another accident.
For all the people who are reading this website
Most of the contents on this websites are linked from other websites, and i added the link and author name of the original site. I created this blog just to help people like you who are willing to lower their auto insurance, i know alot of people are paying very high auto insurance each year, thats why im sharing all these information with you, and i hope these can help.
If you like this site, you can subscribe it and add it to your favorite, i will try to update it when i have time, thank you for reading.
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If you like this site, you can subscribe it and add it to your favorite, i will try to update it when i have time, thank you for reading.
Best Regards !
Auto insurance tips
Auto insurance tips
- Before buying a car get the insurance quote for the model you want to buy; insurance costs may vary a lot between different cars and even between different models of the same car. - Shop around, get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can, rates vary between different insurance companies. - Consider higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay from your pocket before your insurance will pay should you have a claim. - If you have a low-value vehicle, consider dropping comprehensive and (or) collision coverage; If you car worth just $1500 - $2000 it makes more sense to buy another vehicle rather than repair the old one. - Ask for possible discounts - some insurance companies may offer you a discount if your car has certain safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) or an anti-theft device, like an alarm system or an immobilizer. - Some insurance companies offer discounts if you insure other things such as your house with the same company. - Not all insurance companies offer the same level of service. Choose a reputable company, there is a web site where you can check ratings of various insurance companies. Follow this link A.M. Best - The Insurance Information Source. Ask your friend and relatives what is their experience with particular insurance company.- Shop around for an insurance quote every time before your current policy is due for renewal - your current insurer not always offers the best rate. Insurance rates vary between different companies. It's very possible that another insurance company will offer you lower rates if you switch. I shop around every year and have switched my insurance few times over last five years, which allowed me to get substantially lower insurance rates.- If you are planning to move to different place, check the insurance quote for that location first, the insurance rates may vary depending on where you live and how far you drive to and from work every day.- If you found another job that requires you to drive less to and from work, call your insurance company, they may offer you lower rates.- Avoid traffic tickets, your insurance premium may increase substantially as a result.- And finally, and most importantly, drive safely, so you will never have to use your insurance.
by Vlad Samarin
- Before buying a car get the insurance quote for the model you want to buy; insurance costs may vary a lot between different cars and even between different models of the same car. - Shop around, get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can, rates vary between different insurance companies. - Consider higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay from your pocket before your insurance will pay should you have a claim. - If you have a low-value vehicle, consider dropping comprehensive and (or) collision coverage; If you car worth just $1500 - $2000 it makes more sense to buy another vehicle rather than repair the old one. - Ask for possible discounts - some insurance companies may offer you a discount if your car has certain safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) or an anti-theft device, like an alarm system or an immobilizer. - Some insurance companies offer discounts if you insure other things such as your house with the same company. - Not all insurance companies offer the same level of service. Choose a reputable company, there is a web site where you can check ratings of various insurance companies. Follow this link A.M. Best - The Insurance Information Source. Ask your friend and relatives what is their experience with particular insurance company.- Shop around for an insurance quote every time before your current policy is due for renewal - your current insurer not always offers the best rate. Insurance rates vary between different companies. It's very possible that another insurance company will offer you lower rates if you switch. I shop around every year and have switched my insurance few times over last five years, which allowed me to get substantially lower insurance rates.- If you are planning to move to different place, check the insurance quote for that location first, the insurance rates may vary depending on where you live and how far you drive to and from work every day.- If you found another job that requires you to drive less to and from work, call your insurance company, they may offer you lower rates.- Avoid traffic tickets, your insurance premium may increase substantially as a result.- And finally, and most importantly, drive safely, so you will never have to use your insurance.
by Vlad Samarin
Auto Insurance Tips for Young Drivers
According to statistics, young drivers under 25, especially males, belong to a high risk group, i.e. those who tend to make insurance claims more often than any other group of drivers. Young drivers have less experience and therefore are much more likely to have accidents than older drivers. As a rule, it takes at least three years of driving experience to be quoted a lower rate.
For many newly-qualified drivers under 25-years-old insuring their car makes the most expensive part of driving. It is natural that young drivers are looking for ways to lower their Auto Insurance rates. There are certain steps they can undertake to get the best deal.
Besides some obvious recommendations, like keeping one's vehicle record clean and practicing safe and careful driving, there are other important things that a young driver can do in order not to fall under the above mentioned statistics data and try and get the cheapest possible Car Insurance rates.
It pays to get as many insurance quotes as possible from a number of insurance companies. For example, you can compare Auto Insurance quotes from at least five reputable quote sites. You will see that one and the same coverage may considerably vary in price from company to company. Your own research and comparison will guarantee you get a cheaper rate.
Note that some cars are cheaper to insure. As a young driver, you will pay less for your Car Insurance in case you opt for a car with a lower engine capacity, for example. Typically, the more expensive a car is and the more expensive it is to maintain and repair it, the higher the Car Insurance rates will be. It would be wise to get insurance quotes online for different cars to see which choice will help keep your premiums low. In other words, purchasing a small car will definitely be a smarter choice than sports car for young drivers.
A safer car is great not only for safety reasons. Safety features and anti-theft devices are likely to get you lower rates. Insurers are likely to offer discounts in case there are some features of a vehicle which make it safer, less likely to be stolen and thus reduce the chance of an insurance claim. A good quality alarm with an immobilizer, parking in a secure garage or off road and other safety features and measures do not only protect your car, reduce the risk of theft, accidental damage or break ins, but also have a positive impact on your insurance bills.
A Defensive Driving Course can be useful in earning you a reduction of your premium as well. Some Car Insurance companies will offer you a lower premium if they regard you as a safer driver.
It is a good idea to roll in some training programs setup by driving instruction organizations within a year of passing the driving test. Such programs are aimed at the new, young drivers. Practicing driving in different weather conditions, at night, etc will help you make a safer driver, which in its turn, will enable insurance companies to regard you as lower risk and offer you discounts. Auto Safety Classes will also help prevent accidents and make cheaper Auto Insurance rates a reality for you.
Insurance companies usually charge more if the car you are insuring has some modifications on it. Modifications that increase the value, performance and attractiveness of your vehicle to thieves will inevitably make your insurance premium higher. In case your car has already been altered from the factory specification, shop around as insurers tend to judge modifications differently. Spoilers, trim kits and turbo kits tend to give a negative image of your driving style and attitude to safety to your insurer, which will surely reflect on your bills.
If a young driver needs to insure his/her car and they still live with their parents, it may be a good idea to stick with their parents' Car Insurance Policy and get cheaper premiums. Also, parents can put your car on their policy and receive a discount for multiple cars on one Car Insurance policy. For instance, if you have four drivers in the family, it can be a good option to combine all autos into one policy and take advantage of the multi-car discount. Young drivers can opt to be a Named Driver on their parent's insurance. As soon as you turn 25 you can get your own policy at a reasonable premium.
In case you are an older driver but have received your license just recently, you may opt for getting your full driving experience since the age of 16 automatically. This will normally give you a more attractive rate.
You can reduce your rate by increasing your deductible. Also, choosing to pay your premiums annually, you can avoid expensive rates due to transaction charges. Some insurance companies provide extras such as paying premiums in installments.
Building up a no-claims bonus is another way to reduce your Car Insurance premiums though it takes longer. As a young driver you can prove that you are less risky and you are likely to get quite sizeable percentage discounts.
If you reduce your annual mileage, you may also be entitled to a discount. The logic is simple: the more time you spend driving your car, the more chances you have to be involved in some kind of road accident, consequently, the higher risk you present to an Auto Insurance provider.
It always pays to be a good student. If you study well, it will attract cheaper Car Insurance rates. Auto insurers consider students with decent grades to be more responsible and less reckless on the road as well. In other words, a good report card from college can compensate a student's lack of a driving history.
Some young drivers choose third-party, fire and theft cover because it is cheaper. However, it is essential to fully understand the type of coverage you need for your situation. For more expensive cars comprehensive insurance will certainly work out cheaper. In general, Comprehensive Car Insurance is usually worth the extra cost as this type of cover offers a number of advantages.
It may be tempting to underestimate your mileage or somehow mislead your insurer in order to get a lower quote. It is a very slippery slope, as in case you have cheated or provided false details, your insurance claim is most likely to be rejected. It means that after an accident you will have to pay for the whole situation on your own.
For many newly-qualified drivers under 25-years-old insuring their car makes the most expensive part of driving. It is natural that young drivers are looking for ways to lower their Auto Insurance rates. There are certain steps they can undertake to get the best deal.
Besides some obvious recommendations, like keeping one's vehicle record clean and practicing safe and careful driving, there are other important things that a young driver can do in order not to fall under the above mentioned statistics data and try and get the cheapest possible Car Insurance rates.
It pays to get as many insurance quotes as possible from a number of insurance companies. For example, you can compare Auto Insurance quotes from at least five reputable quote sites. You will see that one and the same coverage may considerably vary in price from company to company. Your own research and comparison will guarantee you get a cheaper rate.
Note that some cars are cheaper to insure. As a young driver, you will pay less for your Car Insurance in case you opt for a car with a lower engine capacity, for example. Typically, the more expensive a car is and the more expensive it is to maintain and repair it, the higher the Car Insurance rates will be. It would be wise to get insurance quotes online for different cars to see which choice will help keep your premiums low. In other words, purchasing a small car will definitely be a smarter choice than sports car for young drivers.
A safer car is great not only for safety reasons. Safety features and anti-theft devices are likely to get you lower rates. Insurers are likely to offer discounts in case there are some features of a vehicle which make it safer, less likely to be stolen and thus reduce the chance of an insurance claim. A good quality alarm with an immobilizer, parking in a secure garage or off road and other safety features and measures do not only protect your car, reduce the risk of theft, accidental damage or break ins, but also have a positive impact on your insurance bills.
A Defensive Driving Course can be useful in earning you a reduction of your premium as well. Some Car Insurance companies will offer you a lower premium if they regard you as a safer driver.
It is a good idea to roll in some training programs setup by driving instruction organizations within a year of passing the driving test. Such programs are aimed at the new, young drivers. Practicing driving in different weather conditions, at night, etc will help you make a safer driver, which in its turn, will enable insurance companies to regard you as lower risk and offer you discounts. Auto Safety Classes will also help prevent accidents and make cheaper Auto Insurance rates a reality for you.
Insurance companies usually charge more if the car you are insuring has some modifications on it. Modifications that increase the value, performance and attractiveness of your vehicle to thieves will inevitably make your insurance premium higher. In case your car has already been altered from the factory specification, shop around as insurers tend to judge modifications differently. Spoilers, trim kits and turbo kits tend to give a negative image of your driving style and attitude to safety to your insurer, which will surely reflect on your bills.
If a young driver needs to insure his/her car and they still live with their parents, it may be a good idea to stick with their parents' Car Insurance Policy and get cheaper premiums. Also, parents can put your car on their policy and receive a discount for multiple cars on one Car Insurance policy. For instance, if you have four drivers in the family, it can be a good option to combine all autos into one policy and take advantage of the multi-car discount. Young drivers can opt to be a Named Driver on their parent's insurance. As soon as you turn 25 you can get your own policy at a reasonable premium.
In case you are an older driver but have received your license just recently, you may opt for getting your full driving experience since the age of 16 automatically. This will normally give you a more attractive rate.
You can reduce your rate by increasing your deductible. Also, choosing to pay your premiums annually, you can avoid expensive rates due to transaction charges. Some insurance companies provide extras such as paying premiums in installments.
Building up a no-claims bonus is another way to reduce your Car Insurance premiums though it takes longer. As a young driver you can prove that you are less risky and you are likely to get quite sizeable percentage discounts.
If you reduce your annual mileage, you may also be entitled to a discount. The logic is simple: the more time you spend driving your car, the more chances you have to be involved in some kind of road accident, consequently, the higher risk you present to an Auto Insurance provider.
It always pays to be a good student. If you study well, it will attract cheaper Car Insurance rates. Auto insurers consider students with decent grades to be more responsible and less reckless on the road as well. In other words, a good report card from college can compensate a student's lack of a driving history.
Some young drivers choose third-party, fire and theft cover because it is cheaper. However, it is essential to fully understand the type of coverage you need for your situation. For more expensive cars comprehensive insurance will certainly work out cheaper. In general, Comprehensive Car Insurance is usually worth the extra cost as this type of cover offers a number of advantages.
It may be tempting to underestimate your mileage or somehow mislead your insurer in order to get a lower quote. It is a very slippery slope, as in case you have cheated or provided false details, your insurance claim is most likely to be rejected. It means that after an accident you will have to pay for the whole situation on your own.
9 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs
1. Shop Around
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found here.)
You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It's important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.
Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.
Don't shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers and on the same coverage.
2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).
3. Ask for Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.
4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.
5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.
6. Maintain a Good Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.
7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.
8. Ask about Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.
9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.
State Insurance Departments and Web sites
When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:*
[ ] $500 deductible[ ] $1,000 deductible [ ] More than 1 car [ ] No Accidents in 3 Years [ ] No Moving Violations in 3 Years [ ] Driver Training Courses [ ] Defensive Driving Courses[ ] Anti-Theft Devices [ ] Low Annual Mileage [ ] Air Bags [ ] Anti-Lock Brakes [ ] Daytime Running Lights[ ] Student Drivers with Good Grades [ ] Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company [ ] College Students away from Home[ ] Long-Time Customer[ ] Other Discounts
The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.
*The discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies.
For more information, call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline (NICH) at 1-800-942-4242
Reviewed by:
Consumer Federation of Americahttp://www.consumerfed.org/
Federal Citizen Information Centerhttp://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/
National Consumers Leaguehttp://www.nclnet.org/
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDAhttp://www.csrees.usda.gov//
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found here.)
You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It's important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.
Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.
Don't shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers and on the same coverage.
2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).
3. Ask for Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.
4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.
5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.
6. Maintain a Good Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.
7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.
8. Ask about Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.
9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.
State Insurance Departments and Web sites
When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:*
[ ] $500 deductible[ ] $1,000 deductible [ ] More than 1 car [ ] No Accidents in 3 Years [ ] No Moving Violations in 3 Years [ ] Driver Training Courses [ ] Defensive Driving Courses[ ] Anti-Theft Devices [ ] Low Annual Mileage [ ] Air Bags [ ] Anti-Lock Brakes [ ] Daytime Running Lights[ ] Student Drivers with Good Grades [ ] Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company [ ] College Students away from Home[ ] Long-Time Customer[ ] Other Discounts
The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.
*The discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies.
For more information, call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline (NICH) at 1-800-942-4242
Reviewed by:
Consumer Federation of Americahttp://www.consumerfed.org/
Federal Citizen Information Centerhttp://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/
National Consumers Leaguehttp://www.nclnet.org/
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDAhttp://www.csrees.usda.gov//
Property Damage Claims: Who Pays for the Damage to Your Car, Your Insurance or the Other Driver’s?
When you are involved in a car accident and the other driver is at fault, you have a choice whether to go through your own insurance company to have your vehicle repaired or the negligent driver’s insurance company. What’s the difference? If you make a claim with your own carrier, you will likely be charged a deductible. If you have rental car coverage on your policy, you will have access to a rental car while your car is in the shop, up to a daily or weekly limit set out in your policy. When the claim is settled, your insurer will “subrogate” (make a claim for reimbursement) against the responsible party’s insurance company to get the money back. This may or may not include your deductible. If it does, you will eventually be reimbursed. If it doesn’t, you’ll be out the $200 or $500 or however much your deductible is.
If, instead, you go through the other driver’s insurance directly, as long as liability is clear, they will pay for your car repairs and provide you with a rental car and you will not be charged a deductible. Either way, be prepared to have an adjuster question you about what happened in the accident. Note that although the adjuster will likely take photos of your damaged vehicle, you should take your own pictures, as well, in case there are any questions later on about the damage. Cell phones with a camera built in come in very handy for this because photos can be taken at the scene of the accident.What if liability is unclear?If you are partially at fault for the accident or it’s not clear who was at fault, it’s best to go through your own insurance company and then let the two insurance companies duke it out in subrogation. Your insurance company may get some of their money back that they paid out to repair your car, and you may get a percentage of your deductible back if the companies agree on how fault should be apportioned. Where it will make more of a difference to you is with regard to your injuries in the accident. If you were partially at fault, you will only collect a percentage of your damages, including money for your pain and suffering. If it is not clear who was responsible, it may have to be decided in court or by an arbitrator. If you were injured, and liability is not clear, even if the insurance companies decide on a percentage with regard to the property damage, you should hire an attorney who will advocate for your position and get you a larger percentage of your damages for your injury. (See more on injuries below.)What if your car was totaled?If your car was a total loss (it would cost more to repair than the value of the vehicle), and you are making a property damage claim for it with the other driver’s insurance, don’t be surprised if you wind up having to negotiate with them regarding the value of your vehicle. You could potentially get a better deal on the value with your own insurance company, but not necessarily. Claims where there is a total loss involved are notorious for taking longer to settle due to differences of opinion on the value of the car. What if you also have an injury?If you are injured, when you talk to the other insurance company about property damage, be careful what information you give them. The adjuster may try to get you to state that you have no personal injury claim or try to have you minimize your claim. Talk to a lawyer so you avoid saying or signing the wrong thing and hurt your chances of making an injury claim down the road. Fault vs. No-Fault stateNo-fault does not usually apply to property damage. Even in a no-fault state, you may either go through your own insurance or the other party’s insurance if the other party is at fault. Only Michigan requires a PPI policy—Property Protection Insurance—which pays for damage to your vehicle no matter who was at fault. It is similar to Collision, but you will pay no deductible.So, as you can see, the answer to whether you should make a claim for the damage to your car with your own insurance company or with the other driver’s is, it depends.
Auto insurance for first time buyer
Purchasing car insurance for the first time can be stressful. Thus, most people just accept what the dealership or car loan lender offers and don’t bother to shop around for the best car insurance offer available.
What these people fail to understand is that a small difference on the monthly payments of an insurance premium can result on huge savings. Furthermore, if the payment of the premium is not done in installments savings can be even higher.
When purchasing your first car, the insurance may not be your priority, but though that may be understandable, you still should worry about it a bit.
Remember that the cost of insurance is not the only issue. Proper coverage will protect not only your recently acquired vehicle but also yourself and third parties from damages and liability. Therefore, giving some thoughts to your first car insurance is definitely a good idea.
Why Car Insurance?
Some wonder why they need car insurance and even consider the possibility (such consults are received) of not buying it.
What you need to understand is that the situation is not that simple at all.
The department of motor vehicle requires you to have insurance both to protect yourself and to protect others too.
In case you cause damage of property or injuries to third parties, you will be held responsible but the insurance will pay for it. That way the law makes sure that even those who wouldn’t be able to afford the proper reparations otherwise, do.
Since car insurance is required by law, non compliance carries severe punishments. There are simple fines if you are required by authorities to show proof of insurance and you can’t comply but for repeated offences or if you are involved in an accident without having car insurance you can lose your license and won’t be able to drive for a long time.
Getting Affordable Car Insurance On Your First Car
Even though that you may be a first time car buyer, that doesn’t mean that you need to pay an expensive car insurance product. Though you will have to purchase more expensive car insurance than those that have been driving for many years now (without participating in many accidents), you can still get good terms on your first car insurance policy if you are careful enough.
First of all, you need to research the different car insurance products available to you and decide what kind of coverage you need according to your vehicle and the use that you will give to it. Secondly, you will have to different quotes from insurance companies providing them that information.
Insurance companies are everywhere: you will find advertisements on TV, magazines, and on the internet. Each insurance company has an online website and there are other sites offering insurance comparatives. Make sure to request several quotes before starting your own comparison.
Get familiar with car insurance discounts and see which ones you are eligible for. That way you will be able to reduce your insurance premium to a more affordable state. Some insurance companies rank their clients according to how many accidents they have, whether they have an inside parking space, etc. Therefore, if you think that you will be able to benefit from those clauses in the future, it might be wise to purchase that type of car insurances.
What these people fail to understand is that a small difference on the monthly payments of an insurance premium can result on huge savings. Furthermore, if the payment of the premium is not done in installments savings can be even higher.
When purchasing your first car, the insurance may not be your priority, but though that may be understandable, you still should worry about it a bit.
Remember that the cost of insurance is not the only issue. Proper coverage will protect not only your recently acquired vehicle but also yourself and third parties from damages and liability. Therefore, giving some thoughts to your first car insurance is definitely a good idea.
Why Car Insurance?
Some wonder why they need car insurance and even consider the possibility (such consults are received) of not buying it.
What you need to understand is that the situation is not that simple at all.
The department of motor vehicle requires you to have insurance both to protect yourself and to protect others too.
In case you cause damage of property or injuries to third parties, you will be held responsible but the insurance will pay for it. That way the law makes sure that even those who wouldn’t be able to afford the proper reparations otherwise, do.
Since car insurance is required by law, non compliance carries severe punishments. There are simple fines if you are required by authorities to show proof of insurance and you can’t comply but for repeated offences or if you are involved in an accident without having car insurance you can lose your license and won’t be able to drive for a long time.
Getting Affordable Car Insurance On Your First Car
Even though that you may be a first time car buyer, that doesn’t mean that you need to pay an expensive car insurance product. Though you will have to purchase more expensive car insurance than those that have been driving for many years now (without participating in many accidents), you can still get good terms on your first car insurance policy if you are careful enough.
First of all, you need to research the different car insurance products available to you and decide what kind of coverage you need according to your vehicle and the use that you will give to it. Secondly, you will have to different quotes from insurance companies providing them that information.
Insurance companies are everywhere: you will find advertisements on TV, magazines, and on the internet. Each insurance company has an online website and there are other sites offering insurance comparatives. Make sure to request several quotes before starting your own comparison.
Get familiar with car insurance discounts and see which ones you are eligible for. That way you will be able to reduce your insurance premium to a more affordable state. Some insurance companies rank their clients according to how many accidents they have, whether they have an inside parking space, etc. Therefore, if you think that you will be able to benefit from those clauses in the future, it might be wise to purchase that type of car insurances.
Lower Car Insurance Price - 5 Considerations To Computing Your Car Insurance Premiums
Have you ever wonder why car insurance costs vary from one car insurance company to the other? This is due to the different type of computation factors that car insurance companies use to derive the car insurance cost. Based on the answers that you replied to the car insurance company, they will add or discount the cost before arriving at a final price for your car insurance. Thus, it is important for you to shop around first before you commit yourself to a particular car insurance company as different companies take a different view of the various high risk factors. We will look at some of the factors that car insurance companies take into considerations.
1.Having a clean driving record.Without a doubt, car insurance cost would increase if you have been convicted of a driving conviction. Thus, it pays to be a safe driver so that unnecessary costs won't be incurred.
2.Adding additional drivers to the policyBy adding additional drivers to the policy, extra premiums will be added. Thus, do not add in drivers into the policy just because you think that this person might be using the car in the future. Consider carefully whether it is necessary to add this person into the policy.
3.The age and gender of the driverIf the driver is under the age of 25 the rate will mostly likely be fairly high. This is due to the lack of driving experience. Usually, you will need to have over three years driving to be quoted a lower rate. Also, a single male driver rates higher than a single female. This is because males are rated as a higher risk to car insurance companies.
4.Your credit report history.Most car insurance companies take into account of your credit history. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history will allow you to enjoy lower car insurance cost.
5.Anti-theft alarmFix up an electronic central locking and alarm on your car. Discount could be given by insurance companies when you have anti-theft devices install in your car.
Insurance Rates in America
Most people want to pay as little as possible for their car insurance and there are a variety of different ways that you can work to lower the amount you are paying for your car insurance in America. Of course being a good driver with an excellent driving record is going to help, but this is not the only thing you can do to keep your insurance premiums affordable. The following are a few tips that can help you get low cost online car insurance quotes in the United States.
Tip #1: Compare Prices
Taking the time to shop around and compare prices is always important. The price of car insurance is going to vary depending on what company you go with, so it can definitely pay off to spend some time comparing the prices. Find out what other insurance companies charge for the same coverage that you already have. Chances are that you can find better low car insurance quotes.
Tip #2: Go With A Higher Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money that you have to pay out before your insurance will pay. When you go with a higher deductible, you can lower the amount that you have to pay each month for your car insurance. Just raising the deductible amount up a couple hundred dollars can really pay off. You may be able to lower your premium by 15-40% if you just decide to go with a deductible that is a bit higher than the one you have now.
Tip #3: Don't Over Cover Your Car
Some people carry expensive coverage on old cars that are not really worth it. If you have an older car, then you may want to drop the expensive comprehensive or collision coverage that you have on it. Many people find that they can save a huge amount of money by going with simple liability coverage for cars that are older and not worth much to them.
Tip #4: Keep Your Credit Looking Good
Believe it or not, your credit history can actually affect how much you are paying for your car insurance. If you keep your credit history in good shape, more than likely you will have to pay less on your premiums. Remember, car insurance companies take a look at your credit, so keep it looking as great as possible.
Tip #5: Ask About Discounts
There are many companies that offer auto insurance discounts; however, you may have to ask about them. Some companies offer low mileage discounts to those who don't drive very many miles each year. There are other companies that offer discounts to people who purchase homeowners or life insurance with the same company. Even good grades, or just being a good driver could get you a discount, so be sure to ask about the discounts you may be eligible for.Lowering your car insurance is important and these are just a few tips to help you out. Start using all these tips together to get low car insurance rates in America. Before you know it, you'll be saving hundreds of dollars a year on your car insurance premiums.
Tip #1: Compare Prices
Taking the time to shop around and compare prices is always important. The price of car insurance is going to vary depending on what company you go with, so it can definitely pay off to spend some time comparing the prices. Find out what other insurance companies charge for the same coverage that you already have. Chances are that you can find better low car insurance quotes.
Tip #2: Go With A Higher Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money that you have to pay out before your insurance will pay. When you go with a higher deductible, you can lower the amount that you have to pay each month for your car insurance. Just raising the deductible amount up a couple hundred dollars can really pay off. You may be able to lower your premium by 15-40% if you just decide to go with a deductible that is a bit higher than the one you have now.
Tip #3: Don't Over Cover Your Car
Some people carry expensive coverage on old cars that are not really worth it. If you have an older car, then you may want to drop the expensive comprehensive or collision coverage that you have on it. Many people find that they can save a huge amount of money by going with simple liability coverage for cars that are older and not worth much to them.
Tip #4: Keep Your Credit Looking Good
Believe it or not, your credit history can actually affect how much you are paying for your car insurance. If you keep your credit history in good shape, more than likely you will have to pay less on your premiums. Remember, car insurance companies take a look at your credit, so keep it looking as great as possible.
Tip #5: Ask About Discounts
There are many companies that offer auto insurance discounts; however, you may have to ask about them. Some companies offer low mileage discounts to those who don't drive very many miles each year. There are other companies that offer discounts to people who purchase homeowners or life insurance with the same company. Even good grades, or just being a good driver could get you a discount, so be sure to ask about the discounts you may be eligible for.Lowering your car insurance is important and these are just a few tips to help you out. Start using all these tips together to get low car insurance rates in America. Before you know it, you'll be saving hundreds of dollars a year on your car insurance premiums.
How To Get A Low Cost Auto Insurance
In order to get a low cost auto insurance, you have to take into account that the cost of your auto insurance will vary which is dependent upon many factors. First, there is the different prices of the auto insurance companies thus it is wise to check properly and compare these auto insurance companies before buying an auto insurance policy.
The type of car you drive also determines whether your can get a low cost auto insurance or not. Certain types of cars that are prone to theft like the Honda Civic have high car insurance cost due to high risk. Auto insurance companies know what kind of cars are prone to problems. Therefore when buying a new car, be sure that the car is not listed as a theft prone automobile. Another also is the kind of car that you drive. If you drive a sports car, then the auto insurance policy is more expensive than that of a regular automobile.
To get a low cost auto insurance, the value of your car will also be taken into consideration especially if you are thinking about buying a comprehensive and collision coverage. Say for example that the value of your vehicle is $2,000.00 or less, it would be advisable to drop the comprehensive and collision coverage of your auto insurance policy. But if your car is worth more than $20,000.00 or more, then is it advisable to get a comprehensive and collision coverage. When your car is totally damaged during collision and the only way to do is to replace it with another one, then your comprehensive and collision coverage can help you in the replacement of your car.
Another thing that determines whether you can get a low cost auto insurance is how often and how far do you drive. If you drive long distances, your auto insurance cost will be higher since long distance driver can increase the chance of accident. Therefore, if you live far from where you work, consider relocating closer to your workplace. In that way, you can lower your car insurance cost and will also save you money on gas.
If you would want to relocate near your workplace, consider those places where there are less accidents, vandalism or crimes happening since this can increase your auto insurance premium. You may also want to consider doing a car pool with your neighbors or co-workers. This will effectively lower the mileage of your car travel which will help get a low cost auto insurance not to count the savings you made on gas.
Most of all, you should drive safely in order to have low cost auto insurance. If you are careless, prone to accidents, issued speeding tickets, and incur various traffic violations, the cost of your auto insurance will be high. Therefore, drive safely, it will not only lower the amount of premium you will pay for your auto insurance but can also save your life!
By Elsa Rida
The type of car you drive also determines whether your can get a low cost auto insurance or not. Certain types of cars that are prone to theft like the Honda Civic have high car insurance cost due to high risk. Auto insurance companies know what kind of cars are prone to problems. Therefore when buying a new car, be sure that the car is not listed as a theft prone automobile. Another also is the kind of car that you drive. If you drive a sports car, then the auto insurance policy is more expensive than that of a regular automobile.
To get a low cost auto insurance, the value of your car will also be taken into consideration especially if you are thinking about buying a comprehensive and collision coverage. Say for example that the value of your vehicle is $2,000.00 or less, it would be advisable to drop the comprehensive and collision coverage of your auto insurance policy. But if your car is worth more than $20,000.00 or more, then is it advisable to get a comprehensive and collision coverage. When your car is totally damaged during collision and the only way to do is to replace it with another one, then your comprehensive and collision coverage can help you in the replacement of your car.
Another thing that determines whether you can get a low cost auto insurance is how often and how far do you drive. If you drive long distances, your auto insurance cost will be higher since long distance driver can increase the chance of accident. Therefore, if you live far from where you work, consider relocating closer to your workplace. In that way, you can lower your car insurance cost and will also save you money on gas.
If you would want to relocate near your workplace, consider those places where there are less accidents, vandalism or crimes happening since this can increase your auto insurance premium. You may also want to consider doing a car pool with your neighbors or co-workers. This will effectively lower the mileage of your car travel which will help get a low cost auto insurance not to count the savings you made on gas.
Most of all, you should drive safely in order to have low cost auto insurance. If you are careless, prone to accidents, issued speeding tickets, and incur various traffic violations, the cost of your auto insurance will be high. Therefore, drive safely, it will not only lower the amount of premium you will pay for your auto insurance but can also save your life!
By Elsa Rida
How to Find the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rate
Having difficulty finding a cheap auto insurance rate? Many Americans regret certain things in their past that are now making it hard to them to find a low auto insurance rate. Some of the things that are hkeeping many consumers from getting a low rate are things that may or may not be the consumer's fault in the first place.
Some of the things that will keep you from getting the best auto insurance rate include a bad driving history (lots of accidents and/or moving violations), a bad credit score, and simply owning a car or truck that is considered relatively risky to insure.
Here are some things that you can do to find the cheapest auto insurance rate available in your area and find the best possible rate that you may qualify for:
1. Compare at least 3 different auto insurance companies offers side by side. You might be surprised at the drastic differences in rates from company to company - often because they evaluate risk quite differently.
2. Take advantage of any discounts that you may qualify for. Good student programs, senior citizen programs, and multiple lines of insurance (usually homeowners insurance and auto insurance) are all examples of programs that can often use to get a lower auto insurance rate.
3. Request online auto insurance quotes from an independent quote shopping service. It is nice that many auto insurance companies are starting to show other companies rates along with their own rates to better educate consumers. One step better than that though is to use an independent quote shopping service that will show you rate quotes from many different auto insurance companies.
Keep in mind that company reputation, customer service, claims handling, coverage area and other important factors all should be a part of your decision and not just price alone. Do your research and get to work saving money on your car insurance now!
Compare free California Auto Insurance and Florida Auto Insurance rate quotes from multiple car insurance companies side by side!
Keep in mind that company reputation, customer service, claims handling, coverage area and other important factors all should be a part of your decision and not just price alone. Do your research and get to work saving money on your car insurance now!
By Joel Ohman
Some of the things that will keep you from getting the best auto insurance rate include a bad driving history (lots of accidents and/or moving violations), a bad credit score, and simply owning a car or truck that is considered relatively risky to insure.
Here are some things that you can do to find the cheapest auto insurance rate available in your area and find the best possible rate that you may qualify for:
1. Compare at least 3 different auto insurance companies offers side by side. You might be surprised at the drastic differences in rates from company to company - often because they evaluate risk quite differently.
2. Take advantage of any discounts that you may qualify for. Good student programs, senior citizen programs, and multiple lines of insurance (usually homeowners insurance and auto insurance) are all examples of programs that can often use to get a lower auto insurance rate.
3. Request online auto insurance quotes from an independent quote shopping service. It is nice that many auto insurance companies are starting to show other companies rates along with their own rates to better educate consumers. One step better than that though is to use an independent quote shopping service that will show you rate quotes from many different auto insurance companies.
Keep in mind that company reputation, customer service, claims handling, coverage area and other important factors all should be a part of your decision and not just price alone. Do your research and get to work saving money on your car insurance now!
Compare free California Auto Insurance and Florida Auto Insurance rate quotes from multiple car insurance companies side by side!
Keep in mind that company reputation, customer service, claims handling, coverage area and other important factors all should be a part of your decision and not just price alone. Do your research and get to work saving money on your car insurance now!
By Joel Ohman
Low Cost Auto Insurance - How to Get the Best Possible Price
There are a ton of choices out there when it comes to low cost auto insurance. So how do you find the cheapest auto insurance with the best company? Here's how ...
Compare Quotes
Far and away the best way to get the cheapest low cost auto insurance is to comparison shop online. There are Internet sites where you can get a number of quotes from A-rated companies so you can compare quotes and get the best rate from the best company (see links below).
All you do is fill out a simple online form in order to determine what kind of coverage you want. It's quick, it's easy, and best of all, it's free.
Get Discounts
As you fill out the online form, make sure you include all the discounts you're entitled to. Here are the biggest money-savers when it comes to buying low cost auto insurance:
Deductibles - An insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay before your auto insurance company pays a claim. Raising your deductible from $100 to $500 can save you 10% to 15% on your insurance. Raising it to $1,000 can save you up to 50%.
Collision coverage - Collision coverage covers your repair costs when you're involved in an accident. It can cost you $500 or more depending on the type of car you drive and it's age. The cost of collision coverage for older cars may be more than the cost of repairing the car.
A rule of thumb is to drop your collision coverage if your insurance premium is 10% or more than your car's current value.
Bundled insurance - You can get a 15% discount with most companies by putting your auto insurance with your homeowners insurance. And you can save 15% if you own two autos and insure them both with the same company.
By Brian Stevens
Compare Quotes
Far and away the best way to get the cheapest low cost auto insurance is to comparison shop online. There are Internet sites where you can get a number of quotes from A-rated companies so you can compare quotes and get the best rate from the best company (see links below).
All you do is fill out a simple online form in order to determine what kind of coverage you want. It's quick, it's easy, and best of all, it's free.
Get Discounts
As you fill out the online form, make sure you include all the discounts you're entitled to. Here are the biggest money-savers when it comes to buying low cost auto insurance:
Deductibles - An insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay before your auto insurance company pays a claim. Raising your deductible from $100 to $500 can save you 10% to 15% on your insurance. Raising it to $1,000 can save you up to 50%.
Collision coverage - Collision coverage covers your repair costs when you're involved in an accident. It can cost you $500 or more depending on the type of car you drive and it's age. The cost of collision coverage for older cars may be more than the cost of repairing the car.
A rule of thumb is to drop your collision coverage if your insurance premium is 10% or more than your car's current value.
Bundled insurance - You can get a 15% discount with most companies by putting your auto insurance with your homeowners insurance. And you can save 15% if you own two autos and insure them both with the same company.
By Brian Stevens
Cheap Auto Insurance for Your Car
There are many ways to get cheap auto insurance for your car. Perhaps you want to switch auto insurance companies in order to obtain cheap auto insurance for your car. Or, maybe you want to make some safety changes to your car in order to get cheap auto insurance for your car. Whatever you want to do, chances are you will spend some time searching for the auto insurance company that will give you the cheapest auto insurance quote for your car.
However, the situation can change when you are buying a new car. You may or may not already have an auto insurance policy. You may or may not want to keep that auto insurance policy. Whatever the case, part of the shopping process when you are shopping for a new car is to make sure you have an auto insurance policy before you drive it off the lot.Instead of frantically searching for an auto insurance company that will give you cheap auto insurance for your new car, take advantage of one of the new features some car lots have integrated into their customers’ car-shopping experience. These car lots have set up computers with Internet access to allow their customers to search for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars!
Not only is this extremely convenient for customers; this is also a wise financial move for car dealerships. Many times a car salesman has a sale just within reach and loses it because the customer needs to figure out his or her auto insurance situation first. With this new addition to the car shopping experience, customers can shop for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars right inside the car dealership!If you have the chance to use this auto insurance shopping feature, make sure you compare as many cheap auto insurance policies as possible. Don’t rush just because your new car is waiting for you.
By Elizabeth Newberry
However, the situation can change when you are buying a new car. You may or may not already have an auto insurance policy. You may or may not want to keep that auto insurance policy. Whatever the case, part of the shopping process when you are shopping for a new car is to make sure you have an auto insurance policy before you drive it off the lot.Instead of frantically searching for an auto insurance company that will give you cheap auto insurance for your new car, take advantage of one of the new features some car lots have integrated into their customers’ car-shopping experience. These car lots have set up computers with Internet access to allow their customers to search for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars!
Not only is this extremely convenient for customers; this is also a wise financial move for car dealerships. Many times a car salesman has a sale just within reach and loses it because the customer needs to figure out his or her auto insurance situation first. With this new addition to the car shopping experience, customers can shop for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars right inside the car dealership!If you have the chance to use this auto insurance shopping feature, make sure you compare as many cheap auto insurance policies as possible. Don’t rush just because your new car is waiting for you.
By Elizabeth Newberry
Finding Low Cost Insurance
When shopping for child health insurance first things first, are there any programs that will work with the parents income? If ineligible for Access, the next step would be to look into the Kids Care program. Kids that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if you are working. The states have different eligibility rules, but in most states, uninsured children 18 years old and younger, whose families earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. For more information you can call 1-877-KIDS-NOW.
Here are a few good tips for the car insurance shopper.
Tip #1Maintain a good driving record and clean credit history -- you could save up to 25% on your auto insurance rate on your next policy.
Tip #2Comparison shop for yourCar Insurance company which necessarily doesn’t need to be in . For Car Insurance, the best combination is a low cost auto insurance rate and excellent service.Tip #3Before buying a car in , determine if you can get a cheapCar Insurance policy for that car. Based on the features of the new car, it may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.
Tip #4Take the highest deductible that you can afford to pay out-of-pocket on your collision and comprehensiveCar Insurance coverage and it will discount your auto insurance monthly payments.
Tip #5Consider dropping comprehensive or collision insurance coverage on an older car. It may not be worth paying for those types of insurance coverages if the vehicle is not worth that much money. This can potentially give you a low cost on your auto insurance.
By Cole Sileven
Here are a few good tips for the car insurance shopper.
Tip #1Maintain a good driving record and clean credit history -- you could save up to 25% on your auto insurance rate on your next policy.
Tip #2Comparison shop for yourCar Insurance company which necessarily doesn’t need to be in . For Car Insurance, the best combination is a low cost auto insurance rate and excellent service.Tip #3Before buying a car in , determine if you can get a cheapCar Insurance policy for that car. Based on the features of the new car, it may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.
Tip #4Take the highest deductible that you can afford to pay out-of-pocket on your collision and comprehensiveCar Insurance coverage and it will discount your auto insurance monthly payments.
Tip #5Consider dropping comprehensive or collision insurance coverage on an older car. It may not be worth paying for those types of insurance coverages if the vehicle is not worth that much money. This can potentially give you a low cost on your auto insurance.
By Cole Sileven
Where to Get Low Cost Liability Auto Insurance
In almost every state in the U.S. liability auto insurance is required. Here's how to get low cost liability auto insurance with a reliable company.What Does Liability Auto Insurance Cover?
Liability auto insurance provides two types of coverage:
* Bodily injury coverage, which pays for medical expenses if you cause an auto accident that injures someone.
* Property damage coverage, which pays to repair or replace the other person’s car and personal property if you cause an auto accident.
How Much Liability Coverage Do I Need?
The minimum requirements for liability auto insurance vary from state to state. To find out the requirements for your state, you can check your state’s department of insurance website or ask an insurance professional. Keep in mind that these are only minimum requirements and may not cover all your expenses in case of an accident.
When you go to find out the minimum requirements for liability auto insurance, you'll be given three numbers. The first number is bodily injury limits for one person, the second number is bodily injury limits for all persons, and the third number is property damage limits. So, for example, 25/50/25 translates to:
* $25,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for one person's medical bills in an accident.
* $50,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for medical bills for everyone injured in an accident.
* $25,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for property damage in an accident.
Finding Low Cost Liability Auto Insurance
To find low cost liability insurance, go online to an insurance comparison website. Here, you can easily get quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies. All you do is take a few minutes to fill out an online form and then you'll receive several quotes to choose from.
The top insurance comparison sites also offer advice and answers to your auto insurance questions through an online chat service, where you can talk with insurance professionals (see link below).
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get liability auto insurance quotes online from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.
By Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker
Liability auto insurance provides two types of coverage:
* Bodily injury coverage, which pays for medical expenses if you cause an auto accident that injures someone.
* Property damage coverage, which pays to repair or replace the other person’s car and personal property if you cause an auto accident.
How Much Liability Coverage Do I Need?
The minimum requirements for liability auto insurance vary from state to state. To find out the requirements for your state, you can check your state’s department of insurance website or ask an insurance professional. Keep in mind that these are only minimum requirements and may not cover all your expenses in case of an accident.
When you go to find out the minimum requirements for liability auto insurance, you'll be given three numbers. The first number is bodily injury limits for one person, the second number is bodily injury limits for all persons, and the third number is property damage limits. So, for example, 25/50/25 translates to:
* $25,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for one person's medical bills in an accident.
* $50,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for medical bills for everyone injured in an accident.
* $25,000 as the most your insurance company will pay for property damage in an accident.
Finding Low Cost Liability Auto Insurance
To find low cost liability insurance, go online to an insurance comparison website. Here, you can easily get quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies. All you do is take a few minutes to fill out an online form and then you'll receive several quotes to choose from.
The top insurance comparison sites also offer advice and answers to your auto insurance questions through an online chat service, where you can talk with insurance professionals (see link below).
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get liability auto insurance quotes online from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.
By Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker
Hot Tips for Low Cost Auto Insurance
Do you want low cost insurance?
If you are paying more than $5,000 per year for auto insurance, here are some things you need to consider. Low cost auto insurance companies have been known to charge this amount and higher car insurance. What can you do to acquire low cost auto insurance? You may be able to lower your cost by a considerable amount of money with some helpful hints.The first method to getting low auto insurance cost is to get rate quotes from several different insurance carriers. There are many types of insurers out there, so you should consider the type of company as well. There are low cost auto insurance companies that sell online exclusively. There are those that sell only through outside agents. There are low cost insurance companies that sell only their own products.
Shop and compare each type of low cost auto insurance carrier to ensure you are getting the low cost auto insurance you deserve. Remember, you can always call your state's insurance department, who maintains information on major low cost insurance companies. Utilizing all of the resources available to you will help you obtain low cost auto insurance.Another way of procuring low cost auto insurance is to know the cost of the insurance of you next car. Car insurance cost is based, among other things, on what your car is worth and what the repair costs will add up to. Low cost auto insurance companies maintain a list of the most frequently stolen cars. If your prospective car appears on this list, be ready to pay higher premiums. Investigate which cars have the best safety ratings and the lowest repair costs. Lower car repair costs often equal low cost auto insurance.
Higher deductibles are another way of getting low cost auto insurance. When you increase your deductibles, you lower your premiums by as much as 15 to 30 percent. Call your low cost insurance agent or check online to see what kind of impact changing your deductible will have on low cost auto insurance. For example, if your existing deductible is four hundred dollars, see what would happen if you raise it to six hundred dollars, or even eight hundred dollars.
Low cost auto insurance method four is to know the value of your car. You can call your auto loan provider for this information, or you can look your car up in the Kelly Blue Book. If your car is older, consider reducing the coverage. You may not need collision if your car's replacement value is less than the insurance premium.
Low auto insurance method five is to buy all of your insurance from the same company. In other words, get your home insurance, auto insurance, flood, and fire from your low cost auto insurance carrier.
There are even some insurers that give low cost auto insurance discounts to customers that have been with them for quite a few years.with in a timely manner.
By Ethan Musolini
If you are paying more than $5,000 per year for auto insurance, here are some things you need to consider. Low cost auto insurance companies have been known to charge this amount and higher car insurance. What can you do to acquire low cost auto insurance? You may be able to lower your cost by a considerable amount of money with some helpful hints.The first method to getting low auto insurance cost is to get rate quotes from several different insurance carriers. There are many types of insurers out there, so you should consider the type of company as well. There are low cost auto insurance companies that sell online exclusively. There are those that sell only through outside agents. There are low cost insurance companies that sell only their own products.
Shop and compare each type of low cost auto insurance carrier to ensure you are getting the low cost auto insurance you deserve. Remember, you can always call your state's insurance department, who maintains information on major low cost insurance companies. Utilizing all of the resources available to you will help you obtain low cost auto insurance.Another way of procuring low cost auto insurance is to know the cost of the insurance of you next car. Car insurance cost is based, among other things, on what your car is worth and what the repair costs will add up to. Low cost auto insurance companies maintain a list of the most frequently stolen cars. If your prospective car appears on this list, be ready to pay higher premiums. Investigate which cars have the best safety ratings and the lowest repair costs. Lower car repair costs often equal low cost auto insurance.
Higher deductibles are another way of getting low cost auto insurance. When you increase your deductibles, you lower your premiums by as much as 15 to 30 percent. Call your low cost insurance agent or check online to see what kind of impact changing your deductible will have on low cost auto insurance. For example, if your existing deductible is four hundred dollars, see what would happen if you raise it to six hundred dollars, or even eight hundred dollars.
Low cost auto insurance method four is to know the value of your car. You can call your auto loan provider for this information, or you can look your car up in the Kelly Blue Book. If your car is older, consider reducing the coverage. You may not need collision if your car's replacement value is less than the insurance premium.
Low auto insurance method five is to buy all of your insurance from the same company. In other words, get your home insurance, auto insurance, flood, and fire from your low cost auto insurance carrier.
There are even some insurers that give low cost auto insurance discounts to customers that have been with them for quite a few years.with in a timely manner.
By Ethan Musolini
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