How To Get Great Car Insurance Quotes

11/09/2011 23:03

Car insurance quotes can be very confusing; buyers have to compare premiums, deductibles and coverage to choose the best policy. Doing some background work like checking your driving record can also ensure a quote that best fits your needs. All this work may seem useless but it will save drivers a lot of money if an accident occurs.

The first step in quote shopping actually has nothing to do with your car, but it has everything to do with your potential premiums. That is knowing what violations are on your license. Knowing your driving record serves two purposes, it helps agents place you in the best fitting policy and helps drivers spot errors that can cost a lot of money. Drivers can get a current list of violations on their license from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Asking about potential discounts is also important when looking for a policy. Discounts can b given for a variety of reasons including safety features on the car, good driving records and multiple drivers. Many car insurance companies also offer discounts for having more than one policy with them. Consider bundling your homeowners, life and auto policies for maximum savings.

Using internet quote comparisons may be fast and simple many drivers make mistakes that can cost them money. Whenever possible talk to a live agent when looking for a quote. Agents can match up policies more accurately and help drivers understand exactly what coverage they need. Other more expensive policies could include extras like towing services that allow drivers to drop costly services like AAA.

Make sure when comparing quotes you are really comparing the same thing. Be sure coverage between the policies carry the same liabilities and deductibles as your current policy. Just comparing pricing alone could mean huge payouts in the event of an accident. Agents can assist drivers in understanding the quotes offered to them.

Knowing what your state's minimum requirements are will also help save time and hassle later. Even if the car is being driven in a different state the owner is responsible for meeting the rules of the state the car was registered in. When setting up a policy it is important that this be followed, fines and loss of license could occur if they are not.

The final piece of the insurance buying puzzle is knowing exactly what coverage you need. Too little coverage could leave drivers paying for costly repairs or paying the difference between the insurance payout and their car loan out of pocket. Too much coverage leads to huge yearly premiums that are stressful on budgets. Drivers also need to consider how much they really can pay for a deductible. A high deductible may lead to a lower payment but could mean huge bills after an accident. Be sure to consider personal liability amounts carefully, damaging another person's property or causing them physical harm could lead to hug lawsuit settlements if your coverage is too low.

No one enjoys the task of getting car insurance quotes, it is a necessary and thankless job. But asking the right questions, carefully comparing quotes and understanding how much coverage you need will keep you from paying more in the long run. Happy quote hunting!