Given the necessity to own auto insurance, it seems as though the process to purchase auto insurance should be much easier than it is. Although you may be frustrated by the difficulties you have had in the past, this article is meant to provide you with the tips you need to get your auto insurance as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Be sure to keep your car secure.
Keeping your car garaged, having a security alarm system, using a locking device on your steering wheel, having a professionally installed tracking system and living in a safe neighborhood are just a few of the ways you can save some money on your car insurance. Be sure to ask your agent how you can get discounts on your insurance rates with good security measures.
It’s important, if you’re looking to get the most out of your auto insurance dollars, to continue to evaluate whether you’re paying too much in terms of the number of drivers you need to cover. For example, if you’re still carrying auto insurance for your children who are grown and in college who don’t use your car, then take them off the policy and your rates will go down nicely.
If your auto insurance carrier is not lowering your rates after a few years with them, you can force their hand by contacting them and telling them that you’re thinking about moving elsewhere. You would be surprised at what the threat of losing a customer can do. The ball is in your court here; tell them you’re leaving and watch your premiums fall.
You must have the state legal minimums; however, there are many optional protections that are available.
Even though these may cost you a bit more, the peace of mind they will give you will be worth it. If you have uninsured motorist protection, you will be protected if an uninsured driver hits your car.
If your car is a significant asset, (i.e. expensive and having high resale value) make sure you purchase additional liability coverage for it when you insure it. The legal minimum liability coverage which is your cheapest option will not provide enough compensation if your valuable car gets damaged. The additional cost of additional coverage is worth paying to protect a car with real value.
Although it may be obvious, driving safely is key to maintaining low rates and premiums. Bad driving such as speeding can increase your rates and also lead to non-renewal of your policy. A car accident will usually increase your costs by up to 40%. Of course you should avoid bad driving regardless of your car insurance to avoid tickets and dangerous accidents.
Do not make a rash decision and drop your insurance coverage before you are positive you have a policy with the other company. Not having auto insurance is a risky game of chance. Accidents can happen at the most unexpected moments, and you want to make sure you are covered no matter what.
If you are looking to get auto insurance, do not commit to any company until you have gotten multiple quotes.
You can do this online without having to speak with an insurance agent or sales representative. By getting multiple quotes you are reducing the chances of auto insurance companies cheating you.
If your son or daughter is sharing the family car and moves away to college or makes the honor roll, this means you could get a discount on your insurance. Make sure you notify your insurance right away if this happens. You should also let them know once your son or daughter is done with college.
Perhaps you cannot afford to pay much for your auto insurance, but remember that it is a legal requirement to have insurance in order to drive a car. If you get pulled over and cannot prove that you have auto insurance, you will get a fine. Get an extremely cheap insurance if you need to.
Car insurance companies base their rates on events like cars being stolen.
Installing alarms, trackers and/or immobilizers could lower your insurance rates more than you might think. The lower rates create a reduction in your insurance premium and with time the installations will more than pay for themselves.
Whenever possible, avoid filing and submitting minor claims to your vehicle insurance provider. Unfortunately, increased reliance upon insurance services directly translates to significant increases in monthly rates. Consider filing claims only if you are unable to cover the cost of repairs, and if failure to have repairs creates an unsafe driving condition.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to purchasing your auto insurance is to remain patient and never be afraid to ask for a little bit better deal. Shop around and if you apply the tips from this article to your search, you have a much better chance of getting the insurance you need at the price you want to pay.
