Purchasing auto insurance is required by law and you don’t have a choice in that matter. However, you can choose which company you sign with and which one offers the best plans that fit your needs. Before signing any paperwork for a company, make sure to do your end of the research by reading as much as you can on this topic. The tips below are sure to help you figure out all you need to know about purchasing the right auto insurance coverage.
Contact your auto insurance agency if you have a change in your work situation. Retiring, cutting back your hours, or switching to telecommuting all mean that you will be driving considerably fewer miles each week. The number of miles you drive can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates.
When considering auto insurance for a young driver, consider signing up for automatic payments if your provider supports them. Not only will this help to ensure that payments are on time, but your insurance provider may even provide a discount for doing so. Another option to consider is paying the entire premium at once.
Reduce the number of miles you put on your car annually in order to enjoy lower auto insurance premiums. Auto insurance companies generally offer discounts on your premium depending on how little you drive.
In order to reduce the cost of your auto insurance policy, consider limiting the mileage you drive each year. Many insurers offer discounts for policyholders who do not spend a great deal of time on the road. It is important to be truthful when making claims of reduced mileage, however, as it is not unheard of for insurers to request proof of your driving habits in order to justify the reduction in price.
When it is possible to do so, try not drive your car. In many states, the premium amount is based on how many miles you drive each year. If you do end up driving less, make sure to call and let the insurance know so that they can lower our premium rate.
If you have memberships in any organizations, it would be to your advantage to ask your carrier if they offer discounts to members of these organizations. Doing so could help you save even more money on your insurance premiums. For example, some companies may offer discounts to state employees or members of auto clubs. It never hurts to ask!
To make sure you’re getting fair pricing in your premiums, verify that your reported information is accurate in your policy. For example, ensure that the make/model of your vehicle is correct, the number of miles on the vehicle when you took out the policy, etc. Even your reported commuting distance is important as shorter commuting distances can have a positive effect on your premium savings.
If your annual premium corresponds to ten percent of your car’s blue book value, you should drop your collision coverage. Coverage is limited to a car’s blue book value: if your car is too old, you are paying a lot of money for an insurance that will not pay you much when you file a claim.
Be careful about what kind of repairs your insurance will cover. Some insurances send their customers to specific shops, which might cut costs by using cheap parts or not replacing everything that needs to be. When you choose an insurance, make sure they will pay for repairs and let you choose where you will get your car fixed. Or get a lifetime guarantee on the work performed.
Many people don’t realize it, but the type and model of car that you have can greatly affect the price of insurance. An SUV needs a much higher amount of coverage than a basic economy style car. When you are purchasing your car, be sure to take insurance prices into account to see if the actual price fits into your budget.
Although you may think your insurance will be reasonable because you are driving an economy car, you may just have a surprise. Some cars are considered to be highly sought by thieves and if this is true of your car, you will see an increase in the price of your insurance, as well. Be sure to be aware of this when purchasing your car and consider avoiding these “hot” cars.
You should call your insurance company if you get a DUI. There are some states that require drivers who have gotten a DUI to get a certain type of insurance coverage in order to be able to drive on the road. This coverage is often more expensive and needed for an extended period of time. Your insurance agent should be able to give you all the information you need.
When your children move out, you should remove them from the policy immediately. Extra drivers mean extra risk, so removing drivers is one way to reduce a premium.
If you are going to be late on an auto insurance payment, call your agent. Your agent should be able to help you get an extension, or reschedule a payment, so that your credit rating does not go down. If you miss payments and lose coverage, you could be at a higher rate for a year or more.
Always make sure to contact your auto insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident. Insurance companies will often take a long time to process claims, either intentionally or unintentionally. Even if you submit your claim immediately after an accident, it can take over a week to get up and running again, so call as soon as you can.
One way to reduce the amount of your car insurance is to bundle it with your home insurance. This can save you up to fifteen percent on both policies. Check with your insurance company to see if they will bundle these policies for you.
Even though auto insurance is something that’s required by law for you have, make sure that you sign with a company that’s right for you. You can choose who you sign with and what coverage you may need. Apply the tips above for a foolproof way to obtain the right auto insurance for you.
