How to Insure Your Car
Everybody who drives a car has to maintain car insurance. But how can you choose the right policy at the right price?
First, it's important to be sure what your policy does and does not cover. If the policy does not give you enough liability coverage to protect your income and assets, or if it does not cover your unique driving situations, then you need to tell your agent about your needs and ask him or her for a new quote. While you are legally required to maintain car insurance, you also need to be sure your policy will take care of you in case of a crash or a breakdown. When you are shopping around, having a written record of the quote keeps the agent from attempting to raise your price if you decide to buy their insurance.
If you also insure a home or you life, you may be able to take advantage of a feature called bundling. Bundled policies are all provided by the same company. Insurance companies like to provide all your coverage, and usually offer you discounts. They will also work with you to choose the due date for your premiums that best fits your budget, whether that's all your premiums on the same day, or staggering your premiums so they do not all hit at once.
A major factor in how much you pay for car insurance is where you live. Generally speaking, you will pay more if you live in a city and less if you live in the country. Also, the more expensive your car, the more you will pay to insure it. The safer your auto is rated in test crashes, on the other hand, the less you will pay to insure it. Any kind of "flash" or any custom feature will increase your insurance costs.
Ask your insurance provider what discounts are available to you on a car insurance policy. Many providers offer discounts for senior citizens, members of the military, women, multiple cars, multiple drivers and multiple policies. You might also be eligible for a premium discount if you belong to certain organizations, such as the AARP, or a specialty club. If you have a teen driver in the family and the teen is a good student, ask your insurance provider if they have good student discounts. Good students are viewed as responsible, which helps lower the risk in the eyes of the insurance provider. Your teen could also enroll in a basic or defensive driving course to help lower their insurance premium rates.
Finally, it's always a good idea to shop around. Get multiple quotes on your auto coverage. There's always a possibility that another company will offer you better coverage at a lower price?it happens all the time. The insurance companies make it easier to shop around that it used to be, especially if you are comfortable looking for coverage on the Internet. Do you research to find out the discount programs that may save you money, the risk assessment for your neighborhood, and the safety rating of your vehicle? Going to your insurance broker armed with information makes it much more likely you will get the lowest possible rates.
No matter how large or how small your insurance needs, always deal with professional, authorized insurance agents. They will help you determine exactly the coverage you need and answer all your questions.
First, it's important to be sure what your policy does and does not cover. If the policy does not give you enough liability coverage to protect your income and assets, or if it does not cover your unique driving situations, then you need to tell your agent about your needs and ask him or her for a new quote. While you are legally required to maintain car insurance, you also need to be sure your policy will take care of you in case of a crash or a breakdown. When you are shopping around, having a written record of the quote keeps the agent from attempting to raise your price if you decide to buy their insurance.
If you also insure a home or you life, you may be able to take advantage of a feature called bundling. Bundled policies are all provided by the same company. Insurance companies like to provide all your coverage, and usually offer you discounts. They will also work with you to choose the due date for your premiums that best fits your budget, whether that's all your premiums on the same day, or staggering your premiums so they do not all hit at once.
A major factor in how much you pay for car insurance is where you live. Generally speaking, you will pay more if you live in a city and less if you live in the country. Also, the more expensive your car, the more you will pay to insure it. The safer your auto is rated in test crashes, on the other hand, the less you will pay to insure it. Any kind of "flash" or any custom feature will increase your insurance costs.
Ask your insurance provider what discounts are available to you on a car insurance policy. Many providers offer discounts for senior citizens, members of the military, women, multiple cars, multiple drivers and multiple policies. You might also be eligible for a premium discount if you belong to certain organizations, such as the AARP, or a specialty club. If you have a teen driver in the family and the teen is a good student, ask your insurance provider if they have good student discounts. Good students are viewed as responsible, which helps lower the risk in the eyes of the insurance provider. Your teen could also enroll in a basic or defensive driving course to help lower their insurance premium rates.
Finally, it's always a good idea to shop around. Get multiple quotes on your auto coverage. There's always a possibility that another company will offer you better coverage at a lower price?it happens all the time. The insurance companies make it easier to shop around that it used to be, especially if you are comfortable looking for coverage on the Internet. Do you research to find out the discount programs that may save you money, the risk assessment for your neighborhood, and the safety rating of your vehicle? Going to your insurance broker armed with information makes it much more likely you will get the lowest possible rates.
No matter how large or how small your insurance needs, always deal with professional, authorized insurance agents. They will help you determine exactly the coverage you need and answer all your questions.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
posted by Credit Counseling at
8:05 AM
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