Comparison shopping for more affordable auto insurance is always a challenge for beginners to online rate comparisons. With such a large choice of online companies available, it can turn into a real difficult job to find a cheaper company.
Comparing insurance coverage rates can be exhausting if you aren’t aware of the easiest way. You could waste time talking to local insurance agents in your area, or you could use online quotes to get prices fast.
All the larger companies belong to a marketplace where prospective buyers enter their coverage request one time, and every company can provide price quotes based on that data. This prevents consumers from doing form submissions to every company.
To find out what other companies charge click here (opens in new window).
One minor caviat to pricing coverage this way is that consumers can’t choose which providers to get quotes from. So if you prefer to pick specific providers to compare, we have a listing of companies who write insurance coverage in your area. Click to view list.
However you get your quotes, ensure you are comparing apples-to-apples quote information with each company. If you have different liability limits it will be impossible to determine which rate is truly the best. Having just a slight variation in insurance coverages may result in large price differences. It’s important to know that getting more free quotes will increase your chances of finding the best offered rates. Some smaller insurers to not give rate quotes online, so you also need to get price quotes from them, too.
Companies don’t always list the entire discount list very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts that may be available.
Drivers should understand that most of the big mark downs will not be given to all coverage premiums. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
Some of the insurance companies that possibly offer most of the discounts above may include but are not limited to:
Before purchasing a policy, check with every prospective company how you can save money. Some discounts listed above might not be offered on policies in your area. To view companies that offer multiple discounts, click here to view.
When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a cookie cutter policy. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.
These are some specific questions could help you determine if you might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.
Knowing the specifics of a auto insurance policy can be of help when determining which coverages you need for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording.
Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include medical payments for you and your occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is very important. Usually your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are similar to your liability insurance amounts.
This covers damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims like vandalism, damage from a tornado or hurricane and fire damage. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance pay for immediate expenses like nursing services, chiropractic care, prosthetic devices and rehabilitation expenses. They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to all vehicle occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as rolling your car, hitting a parking meter and backing into a parked car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Liability insurance can cover damage that occurs to a person or their property. It protects YOU against claims from other people. It does not cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You commonly see liability limits of 50/100/50 that means you have a limit of $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $50,000. Alternatively, you may have one number which is a combined single limit which combines the three limits into one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability can pay for claims like medical services, emergency aid and court costs. How much coverage you buy is a personal decision, but you should buy as much as you can afford.