Auto insurance is large part of being a responsible vehicle owner. However, auto insurance policies seem to be written in the most confusing terms possible. This article can help you to better understand what all of those terms mean. By understanding the terms of the auto insurance world, you will be a more informed consumer.
Consider all your options prior to purchasing insurance. Each company uses a different formula, based on your answers to their questions and previous driving records, to figure out what your insurance premium is. Comparing a few different companies before making your final decision can end up saving you quite a bit of money.
You should check with your insurance company about your coverage limits before you add any aftermarket upgrades. Many times, insurance will not cover these parts, but only the amount that they add to the entire worth of the car – which may not be much.
Take the bus or carpool. If you prove that you are a low risk, then your provider will respond by offering you a low premium. Letting your agent know that you frequently use mass transit or ride in carpools, can be a great way to lower your insurance costs.
Annual Payments
If you can, avoid paying your insurance bill in monthly installments. Car insurance companies can tack on anywhere from $3-$5 on average a monthly bill. This amount can add to your bill quickly. Adding another payment to your monthly bills can create a hassle. If you cannot pay annual payments, you can look into semi-annual payments to keep down the costs.
Do not jump on the cheapest car insurance quote that you get. It could be the bargain of the year, or it may not be adequate insurance for you at all. You have to get to know more about the company and the policy that you are opening before you rely on it to cover any damages that occur during an accident.
Insurance provides you a safety net to avoid catastrophic expenditures in the event of an accident. The company has the customer pay a predetermined amount, called a deductible, and any costs above that amount are covered by the insurers.
Think about removing some coverage from your auto insurance. If your vehicle is older and less valuable and your policy includes collision insurance, it may not be worthwhile to keep paying for it. If you get rid of the insurance, it will save your money. You may also want to consider dropping comprehensive and liability coverage.
Your auto insurance agent will have a list of any discounts offered by their company. Go through each one, and make a note of any that apply. You want to be sure that you are getting every discount you possibly can, so that you save as much money as possible.
If other companies give you lower rates, use them to leverage a better deal out of your current insurance agent before jumping ship. Most of the time, they will be happy to review your policy and do their best to adjust it. They will also likely give you options on how to lower it in order to keep your business.
When purchasing an insurance policy, consider paying it off upfront. It’s common for it to cost more if you pay monthly due to service fees. Save some money and give the payment all at one time.
Credit Scores
Higher FICO credit scores mean lower car insurance rates. Who knew auto insurers check your credit? Insurance companies use credit scores as one of the factors in determining your rates, because studies have found a correlation between people with low credit scores and people who get into accidents. Keep your credit in good shape and your insurance rates will stay lower.
You may be able to get lower rates even if you are saddled with a bad driving record. For instance, some companies will lower rates if you are successful in completing a driving course after an accident or ticket. Providers like Progressive now offer their customers the choice of driving under surveillance so that the company can better assess their driving habits.
Some of the most popular ways to drive down insurance premiums is to install an anti-theft alarm, GPS tracker or theft immobilizer in your vehicle. The probability of theft will greatly influence how your coverage is calculated. If your car has a lower chance of theft, your policy will be lower as well.
Insurance Terms
Insurance terms are not easy for most people to understand. This article will help explain and describe some insurance terms so that you can make strong, confident decisions about your car insurance. You should feel good about your insurance, and you can if you’re an informed customer.
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