Paying cheaper coverage rates for car insurance could be difficult for drivers who have little experience comparing prices online. People have so many companies to choose from that it can easily turn into a ton of work to find better prices.
You should take the time to shop coverage around at least once a year because prices change frequently. Just because you found the best rates for Sportage insurance last year you can probably find a lower rate today. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you’re about to learn how to quote online to reduce your cost while improving coverage.
When comparison shopping, there are several ways to compare prices from many auto insurance companies in your state. By far the easiest way to compare rates is to get quotes online. This can be accomplished in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
The most efficient method to compare a lot of rates at once is a comparison rater form like this one (opens in new window). This quick form saves time by eliminating multiple quote forms to each individual auto insurance company. One form submission gets coverage cost estimates from many national carriers. This is perfect if you don’t have a lot of time.
A harder way to find better pricing consists of going to the website of each company and complete a new quote form. For examples sake, let’s say you need rates from Nationwide, 21st Century and State Farm. You would need to take the time to go to each site and punch in your information repeatedly, which can get old fast.
To view a list of companies in your area, click here.
The method you choose is up to you, but double check that you are using identical coverage limits on every quote. If you are comparing different liability limits you will not be able to determine the best price for your Kia Sportage. Even a minor difference in limits could skew the results. Just keep in mind that comparing a large number of companies helps improve the odds of finding a better price. Some insurance companies are not set up to provide online quotes, so you should also compare prices from them as well.
Buying insurance coverage is not cheap, but there’s a good chance there are discounts that may help make it more affordable. Many of these discounts will be applied automatically when you get a quote, but some discounts are required to be specifically requested before you get the savings.
Policy discounts save money, but some credits don’t apply the the whole policy. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, insurance coverage companies aren’t that generous.
A list of insurance coverage companies and their offered discounts are shown below.
Check with each company or agent how many discounts you can get. Some credits might not be available to policyholders in your area.
When buying adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a best way to insure your cars. Each situation is unique.
For example, these questions can aid in determining if your situation may require specific advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.
Understanding the coverages of a car insurance policy can help you determine the right coverages and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy.
Collision insurance
This coverage pays for damage to your Sportage from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision insurance covers claims such as rolling your car, sustaining damage from a pot hole, colliding with another moving vehicle and sideswiping another vehicle. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. It’s also possible to raise the deductible to bring the cost down.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
This protects you and your vehicle when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Kia Sportage.
Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important.
Auto liability
Liability coverage can cover damage or injury you incur to people or other property that is your fault. It protects you against other people’s claims. It does not cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.
It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see policy limits of 25/50/25 that translate to a limit of $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 for the entire accident, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property.
Liability can pay for claims like bail bonds, pain and suffering, court costs and loss of income. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but buy as much as you can afford.
Comprehensive insurance
This pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things like rock chips in glass, hail damage and falling objects. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for short-term medical expenses for prosthetic devices, doctor visits, hospital visits, dental work and funeral costs. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers all vehicle occupants in addition to any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible