Car Insurance 101
If you drive, or even if you just own a car, you need car insurance. But how do you know which policy to buy.
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 your home, or you have life insurance, ask about bundling your policies. Bundling means you get all your insurance from the same company. Insurance companies offer significant savings to keep you as their customer for multiple kinds of coverage, and the simplified billing makes budgeting and paying?and making sure you have paid?much easier.
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.
Always ask about discounts. Insurance companies often offer lower rates to women, seniors, households with multiple drivers, holders of bundled policies, and men and women in the armed forces. You often can get a cheaper policy if you belong to certain organizations and clubs, like AARP. If you have a teenaged driver in your household, and he or she is a good student, ask about good student discounts. Your teen can also get you lower premiums by enrolling in and completing driver ed or a defensive driving course.
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.
Regardless of your car insurance needs, contact a qualified insurance provider. They can examine your situation and answer whatever questions you may have before tailoring a car insurance policy that meets your needs and provides the coverage you want. Car insurance may be required, but you also want a policy that meets your driving needs.
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 your home, or you have life insurance, ask about bundling your policies. Bundling means you get all your insurance from the same company. Insurance companies offer significant savings to keep you as their customer for multiple kinds of coverage, and the simplified billing makes budgeting and paying?and making sure you have paid?much easier.
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.
Always ask about discounts. Insurance companies often offer lower rates to women, seniors, households with multiple drivers, holders of bundled policies, and men and women in the armed forces. You often can get a cheaper policy if you belong to certain organizations and clubs, like AARP. If you have a teenaged driver in your household, and he or she is a good student, ask about good student discounts. Your teen can also get you lower premiums by enrolling in and completing driver ed or a defensive driving course.
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.
Regardless of your car insurance needs, contact a qualified insurance provider. They can examine your situation and answer whatever questions you may have before tailoring a car insurance policy that meets your needs and provides the coverage you want. Car insurance may be required, but you also want a policy that meets your driving needs.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
posted by Debt Consolidation Loan at
7:52 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home