10 Ways To Save On Car Insurance

For most people car insurance is a the single largest insurance expense after health insurance. Rates are high and are forever climbing, at least it seems that way. You can save money on your car insurance premiums by following these easy to implement steps.

1. Shop Around. Yes, it pays to shop and compare. Regulatory changes at the state level may have encouraged new companies to jump into the market, thereby increasing competition and reducing rates for consumers.

2. Raise Your Deductible. A $200 deductible sounds wise until you learn that the cost for having a deductible at this threshold can drive your rates through the roof. Consider a deductible as high as $1000 to save on premiums. You can always fix minor mishaps on your own.

3. Drop Collision. If your automobile is worth less than two or three thousand dollars, consider dropping collision altogether. Sure, you will get nothing from your insurer if your car is totaled, but the savings you realize by dropping collision can be used as a down payment for your next car.

4. Look For Discounts. If your car has certain safety features, make sure that your insurer is aware of this. Older cars, for the most part, do not have air bags but if you have a model that has airbags, you will save money on your insurance.

5. Business Deduction. If you drive your car for business, a portion of your insurance costs may be deductible. Conversely, your rates may be increased if your insurer knows that you use your car more for business than pleasure.

6. Combine Policies. Purchase your homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies from the same broker and you may save on your premiums. Some insurance companies reward policyholders if they “one-stop” purchase all of their insurance needs through one company.

7. Consider Before You Buy. The Porsche Boxster may be your ideal car, but it could also sharply raise your insurance rates. Maybe a less sporty model would be ideal.

8. Driver’s Ed Course. You may have taken a driver’s education course and your insurance company has not factored that in when determining your premium. Let them know that you are a safe driver!

9. Deleted Points. If you had moving violations that were reported to your insurance company, make sure that your insurer adjusts your premium downward if several years have gone by since the occurrence. You could be paying a premium higher than you deserve.

10. Check Your Policy. If the insurer has the wrong address, town or zip code on your policy you could find yourself paying more than you should.

Reducing your car insurance costs should not be an impossible feat. By following these steps you should realize some savings the next time your policy comes up for review.

How Do I Lower My Auto Insurance Premiums?

It seems as though the price of everything is on the rise. The amount a house may have cost in the early 70s is how much you will pay for a new car in the 21st century. Oil companies have used the problems in Southwest Asia as an excuse to send gas prices through the roof. And the cost of peace of mind when driving your vehicle knowing if you or your vehicle is injured in an accident you will be covered has become astronomical. So what can you do to lower your insurance premiums so you don’t feel as though you are paying a mortgage note in exchange for a vehicle and a car note in exchange for insurance?

Consider how much coverage you really need to buy and the price each of these coverages will pay. Think about collision and comprehensive coverage, which is how much you will be reimbursed for the loss or destruction of your vehicle. Are you carrying $30,000 worth of collision coverage for a $12,000 vehicle? Is the insurance company really going to give you $30,000 when your vehicle is only worth $12,000, unfortunately not?

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle these coverages may be required however if you are driving an older car that has depreciated significantly you may want to consider saving on your premium by dropping this coverage. Before you drop it make sure you can afford to foot the bill on the entire cost of replacing that vehicle if it is lost.

Think about the cost of insuring that sports car or luxury vehicle before you purchase it. If higher premiums is a small price to pay for going from 0 to 60 in .5 seconds go ahead and purchase that Ferrari, if not consider the sedan.

Generally you can’t help where you live but expect that you will pay higher premiums in cities or towns that have high rates of accidents and vandalism as opposed to more rural low crime areas. The X and Y-chromosomes are luck of the draw and everyone ages in the same slow, drawn out amount of time. Oh and of course everyone can’t find that special someone and settle down right away but if you had control over any of these things it would help control your premium rates.

Single, young males under the age of 25 get the short end of the stick in this deal so if you fall into this category make up for this price increase by purchasing a more sensible vehicle. Consider delaying the purchase of that cherry red Mustang until after you’re 26 and married. Another aspect of higher premiums is your driving record. Drivers who cause accidents will pay for it in their insurance premiums. If you’re a high-risk driver the insurance company is going to supplement the money lost on safe drivers by increasing the amount you will have to pay. So slow down, leave earlier, be patient and think about how much money you can save every year by obeying the traffic laws.

What Do You Mean My Auto Insurance Policy Doesn't Cover This!!

Auto insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company where you arrange to pay a premium in an exchange for the peace of mind that your insurance agency will pay for vehicle related financial losses during the duration of the policy. You need auto insurance because you are liable by law to pay for losses you cause to others in the event of an automobile accident. Purchasing auto insurance is the surest way to guarantee you will be able to fulfill your end of the bargain. In some states it is required that you have minimum forms of insurance in order to drive. You also must have insurance in order to finance a car.

One of the first questions you will be asked when obtaining automobile insurance is how much of the covered loss or deductible do you want to be your responsibility? You may choose between $100, $250, $500, or $1,000. The higher your deductible the lower your premium however you must keep in mind that the deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance will assist you. If you cannot afford to pay the first $1,000 of the covered loss you may want to consider how much you can afford and choose a lower deductible.

Your insurance coverage is broken down into each purpose you would need to be covered for. One of the most common coverages include liability which pays out when the insured driver is legally responsible for bodily injuries and property damage they cause to others. Bodily injury damages cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other special damages. Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use. Liability also pays legal defense expenses. Each state has a set minimum amount of coverage you must carry but you may opt for higher amounts.

Personal injury protection pays medical expenses for covered individuals despite who is at fault for the accident. It also covers rehab, lost wages, replacement of services and funeral expenses. Medical payment coverage pays medical and funeral expenses regardless of fault when the causes of these requirements are due to an automobile accident. Collision coverage pays for damage to an insured vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object. Your deductible will apply to collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for loss of or damage to an insured vehicle unless is damaged or lost as the result of a collision. Comprehensive would cover losses due to theft, fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or impact with an animal. Your deductible will apply to comprehensive coverage.

Uninsured motorist pays for loss or damage caused by another driver who does not have liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage pays when the insured driver is injured in an automobile accident caused by a driver who has an inadequate amount of liability insurance. Rental reimbursement pays rental vehicle costs when your vehicle is put out of commission as the result of an automobile accident. Daily monetary limits may apply. Emergency roadside assistance coverage pays towing expenses when your vehicle breaks down. Distance limits may apply.

Your policy will generally cover you, your spouse children and other family members who reside in your residence as well as anyone else who has permission to drive your covered automobile.