How much you pay for auto insurance depends on different factors, including your age, where you live, and what kind of vehicle you drive. It can be hard to know which type of coverage you need and how much you should pay for it. Here are 3 things to keep in mind when shopping for car insurance.
- Determine the coverage you need – Depending on your driving habits and your budget, you can include or omit certain types of coverage. Different kinds include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, collision coverage, and comprehensive.
- Look for Discounts – Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, good school grades or for taking a driver safety course. Do your research and find out what discounts you might be eligible for. If you already have insurance, see if your carrier has discounts you weren’t aware of. You can usually find this information on the Internet or by calling a salesperson.
- Comparison Shop – Comparing prices is now easier than ever, thanks to the Internet. You can also look in the phone book and all-around to your local insurance carriers for rates. It is also a good idea to comparison shop once a year when your policy is nearing time for renewal just to see what is out there. On the other hand, some companies will give you a discount for loyalty.
Remember to take your time and do not feel rushed into buying a policy that you are uncomfortable with or isn’t right for you. Make sure you ask the salesperson questions about anything you do not understand. If something doesn’t feel right or you want to check out the background on a certain company, contact your state’s department of insurance or for more information.
