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Car and Auto Insurance Seven Ways To Save On Car and Auto Insurance |
Seven Ways To Save On Car and Auto Insurance. Why pay premium prices for your car insurance policy if you don’t have to.What you pay for your auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on what type of car you drive, your accident history and the insurance company that provides the policy. To save money on your auto insurance policy, keep these seven tips in mind: 1. Ask About Discounts. Car and Auto InsuranceYou may qualify for one if you haven’t had any accidents or moving violations for several years. If you drive a lower than average number of miles a year, you may qualify for low mileage discounts. Ask your insurance agent about discounts for: • Antitheft devices • Defensive driving courses • Long-time customers • Insuring more than one car • No accidents in three years • No moving violations in three years • Student drivers with good grades. 2. Get Multiple Quotes. Rates can vary greatly and they change often. Review your coverage at least annually. 3. Reduce Coverage On Older Cars. Consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage on older cars. If the car is worth less than 10 times the annual premium, buying coverage may not be cost-effective. You can look up the value of your car at Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com. 4. Ask For A Higher Deductible. Deductibles are what you pay out before your insurance kicks in. By getting higher ones, you can lower your costs substantially. Before choosing a higher deductible, however, set aside enough money to pay for needed repairs. 5. Bundle Your Insurance. You can often get a break if you buy two or more types of insurance from the same provider, such as auto and homeowners. You may also get a discount if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. 6. Compare Costs. Some companies offer a discount if you drive a hybrid or low-profile car. Before you buy a new or used car, check into the insurance costs. 7. Maintain A Good Credit Record. Most insurers factor credit into pricing auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t get more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record regularly and have any errors corrected promptly. Talk with your friends, family and co-workers about the discounts they receive and ask your insurance agent about discounts specifically available to you.
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Finding Cheap Car InsuranceCar and Auto Insurance |
Finding cheap car and auto insurance insurance can be a lot like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s long and frustrating and can lead to fits of uncontrollable swearing and temper tantrums. However, unlike the endless quest for that needle, finding the least expensive car insurance has a point. The more coverage you can get at the lowest price means more money in your wallet and a lot less stress about paying your other bills. But which companies offer the cheapest insurance? That really depends on what you’re looking for. The amount of coverage you want will determine the price, along with your age, driving record and where you live. Different states demand different minimums for liability coverage. Massachusetts sets minimum bodily injury liability coverage at $20,000 with a maximum payout of $40,000 per accident, along with a $5,000 limit for property damage. There is also a mandatory minimum for any uninsured drivers who might get behind the wheel of your car, also set at $20,000 with a max payout of $40,000. In California, the minimums are lower, with bodily injury set at $15,000 with a max payout of $30,000 and a minimum $5,000 property damage liability coverage. California does not require drivers to carry coverage for any uninsured or casual drivers who might get behind the wheel. One thing cannot be stressed enough: where you live plays a large role in determining how much you pay. Keep in mind, our 21-year-old in Massachusetts was living within 25 miles of a major urban center, with a higher population density than picturesque Carmel-By-The-Sea. In fact, Massachusetts is one of the more expensive states where one can obtain insurance. In a nationwide survey done in 2005 (the latest figures available), five Northeastern states (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Delaware) ranked in the top 10 most expensive states for car insurance. Connecticut comes in at number 11. Drivers in New Jersey drivers pay an average of $1336.20 in premiums a year. Only Maine, with its sparse population, ranked in the top ten for lowest car and auto insurance rates. The Midwest makes up the rest of the list with Iowa being ranked the cheapest place to obtain car insurance. Drivers in Iowa drive easy knowing they’re paying an average of $664.20 in premiums every year. When you do start looking for insurance, be sure to prepare. Remember that no one company offers across-the-board cheap rates, and be sure to compare quotes. Take advantage of any discounts you might be eligible for, including multiple car options and group rates. The best thing to do is find a rate that you can afford that covers everything you want. Don’t let a cheap quote that cuts corners entice you, because in the end, you get what you pay for. Car and Auto Insurance |