It is common knowledge that we all have to have our automobiles insured, or else face serious repercussions. However, the sad truth is that the cost of auto insurance is often times far more expensive than consumers would like. One of the reasons that auto insurance ends up being so expensive is the fact that many people do not do their homework in order to find the best option for them. We often times just get stuck with the same company that has been overcharging us for years. You may be floored at the fact that it costs thousands of dollars per year just to keep your cars insured. The monthly payment may not look that bad but it adds up quickly.
When you first start looking at automotive insurance it is incredibly important to start shopping around. We all see the ads on television from Progressive, Geico, Allstate, and others. This shows the competition in the market, so why wouldn’t you use that to your advantage? All of these companies will have similar plans so you can shop around for the best option.
The major companies all have online services that you can use to get a quote now also. This way you can shop around from the comfort of your house. Don’t forget to look at your local providers as well. With the competition in the market, local companies can provide you with a great rate also. Usually they will just give you a rate over the phone but in many instances you can get great service from these local providers as they tend to value your business more than the large insurance agencies.
When shopping around for auto insurance it is important to look for a discount as there are plenty of options available. Clean driving discounts are available with most companies so it pays you to stay within the speed limit and stay away from accidents. Also having multiple cars within the family that are insured with the same company will also help keep your premiums low.
On top of that, look for companies that offer multiple policy discounts. If you are a homeowner and also have health insurance, you may be able to package these deals to keep your rates down. In some cases, this can even bring you a discount of up to twenty percent! When you are talking about thousands of dollars per year in premiums, that is a significant discount. You may also be able to obtain a discount by paying yearly, every six months, or quarterly. You just need to be smart to make sure that you save the money for that payment.
Did you know that the car you drive makes a major impact on the cost of your premium? This is not only attached to the value of your car as your car will be valued by the rate of theft it has and even the color.
Your insurance company also will not tell you when it’s time to lower your coverage. If your car is getting up there in years you do not need to have a large amount of coverage. If your car is only worth a certain amount if it is wrecked it might not be worth having it repaired. You need to factor all of that in when deciding what premium you need to have.
On that note you should ensure that you are not underinsured. In too many cases people tend to obsess about saving money and not enough on ensuring that they have enough coverage to protect themselves. The problem with this thinking is that if something happens you might have too high of a deductible or not be able to cover medical treatment. One accident can cause steep major medical bills, which could be catastrophic if your coverage isn’t sufficient.
The one thing that cannot be overlooked is to make sure you go through a reputable company. There are many stories of people having problems with companies when it is time to file a claim. Be wary when a company offers you a rate that seems too good to be true – it probably is. Some of these underhanded companies will lock you in early at a low rate, but when your policy renews, the rate will skyrocket. Doing your homework on companies and all of the policies that they offer is very important. We also recommend checking with the Better Business Bureau and reading all the advice on Rate Rush before making your decision.
