Car insurance can sometimes seem like an unwanted expense, but it's meant to be good - it can protect you from financial loss due to injury, property damage related to a traffic accident, car theft, natural disaster, or some other event. .
But you don't have to spend a lot of money to get reliable coverage. There are many auto insurance companies, just take the time to find the coverage that's right for you, shop around, and take advantage of any discounts that may be available.
Here are ways to help you find affordable car insurance that meets your needs
1. Use an auto insurance comparison site to compare quotes
You will have to shop around if you are looking for competitive insurance rates. Consider getting auto insurance quotes not only from national auto insurers, like Geico and Allstate, but from smaller insurers as well, because you never know where the best deals can hide.
One of the easiest ways to search for insurance coverage is to compare auto insurance companies online. If you prefer to review your insurance options with someone, working with an auto insurance agent is another way.
2. Understand the factors that affect your premium
It is not just your driving record that determines your insurance rates. Insurance companies base the cost of insurance, their premiums, on the risks they take in insuring it. They use claim data and personal information, among other factors, to assess this risk.
In some states, your credit may have an effect on your premium (although California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii have prohibited the practice of using credit-based insurance scores to help determine rates). Although somewhat controversial, the use of credit-based insurance scores to influence the cost of premiums remains a reality, with studies and surveys indicating that those with less than ideal credit are more likely to file claims for insurance and vice versa.
Whether or not you agree to this practice, be aware that in some states, drivers with better credit may receive better rates than those with less credit. For example, the 2015 Consumer Survey showed that individual respondents with "good" credit paid up to an additional $ 526 per year (depending on their condition) from similar drivers who had the best credit scores.
In addition to credit, insurance rates can also be affected by the following factors:
- Your Zip Code: Certain areas have higher than normal vehicle theft and accident rates. Auto insurance companies can take this into account when setting rates.
- The year and make of your car - The more expensive your car, the higher your insurance rate. Insurance companies may also consider whether drivers of the same make and model tend to file more claims or make more accidents, along with the results of safety tests, the cost of repairs, and the theft rate.
- How many miles you drive each month - Putting fewer miles on your car each month can affect the rates you get.
- Record Your Driving - Drivers with a clean record generally qualify for lower rates, and may qualify for a nice discount / safe driver
- Your age and marital status: Data shows that the probability of an accident may be related to these factors.
3. Consider the limits of your liability coverage
Liability insurance generally consists of three types of coverage: bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability insurance, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Each state that requires liability insurance has its own minimum coverage requirements, but you can choose more coverage, at a cost. In general, the higher your coverage limit, the higher the auto insurance rate.
But before deciding on the minimum coverage requirements in your state, think about any asset, like your home, your savings, or your investment. All of you could be at risk if you cause an accident that results in medical costs or property damage that exceeds your coverage limit. You may want to choose coverage limits that reflect at least the combined value of the asset.
4. Consider increasing the deductible
The deductible is the amount that you will pay out of pocket to cover the cost of your auto insurance claim. You may be able to lower your monthly premium simply by increasing the deductible.
However, you will want to consider your overall financial situation when deciding on a discount. If it is too high, it could cause financial hardship in the future if you ever need to file a claim.
5. If you have an older vehicle, consider skipping collision and universal coverage.
Collision coverage can protect you if you are involved in a single car accident, suffer a hit, or anything else. Comprehensive coverage can protect you in the event that your car is stolen or damaged due to non-collision events such as theft, natural disasters, or contact with an animal. Together, these coverage options are designed to cover repairs or offset the value of your vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage and anti-collision coverage are optional, unless you are renting or financing your car, in which case the auto loan lender may require it.
If you have a low-value paid antique car, you may be able to get less expensive coverage for comprehensive and collision coverage, or you may choose not to receive comprehensive and collision coverage altogether; what works best for you depends on your specific situation.
To decide if this makes sense to you, take a look at your car's so-called "book value" and compare it to the general tolerance, collision deduction, and annual cost for that coverage mentioned in your insurance quote. Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com provide tools you can use to help estimate the value of your vehicle.
6. Claim your auto insurance deductibles
Clean driving record? Directly to the student? Some insurance companies offer a variety of discounts based on group membership and vehicle features, such as anti-theft devices, driving history, policy ownership, and more. Here are some combinations that may qualify for a discount, depending on the insurance company.
- Military personnel
- ancient warrior
- Full-time students with good academic records
- Good drivers (no accidents for a certain number of years)
- Drivers who have studied defensive driving or a driving course.
- Drivers whose insured vehicles have airbags, antilock brakes, antitheft systems, or daytime running lights.
- Active or Retired Federal Employees
- Drivers who have more than one vehicle insured with the same carrier
- Drivers who also have homeowners or renters insurance with their auto insurance company
- Drivers who pay their annual premium in one go and / or opt for automatic payments
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