Shop Around – Get at least three quotes
Turn on the television. Open a magazine. Read through the newspaper. You will pass billboards on the highway and receive flyers in the mail. It doesn’t matter where you look you are being bombarded by advertising for auto insurance. None of these ad’s are saying “Hey, we charge the most” or “Our service is horrible!” Because they are all trying to sell you something. How can you find the best rates and service? Here are a few things you want to keep in mind as you shop for car insurance.
What are your coverage needs? Almost all states have minimum coverages that you must carry. Liability insurance covers you when you are at fault. You are also going to want medpay or personal injury to help cover medical expenses and lost wages in the case of an accident.
If you don’t own your car it is probably mandatory that you get comprehensive coverage. This will cover the cost of damage to the vehicle. Collision coverage will pay for objects such as fire hydrants and telephone poles, should you be unfortunate enough to run into one.
If you have significant assets get higher coverages to help you protect them if you find yourself involved in a lawsuit.
Remember your driving record will determine your rate. Avoid tickets and accidents and the insurance companies will reward you with less expensive coverage. If you know you are prone to accidents, get higher coverage. It will be worth it in the long run.
You can drop in on an agent to get a quote in person. That way you will get a feel for the quality of service you will receive once you are a customer. You can save some time by calling several agents, you can tell a lot by the way you are treated on the phone. If you are pressed for time you can get a quote online.
Make sure you have the information they will be requesting on hand. This includes your drivers license, your current policy, your car’s VIN and registration.
Before making a final decision make sure you are getting all the coverage you need and that you feel comfortable with the agent. Remember it is not the best commercial or theme song that will protect you and your family in a time of need, and it is not always the lowest rate either. Shop around, get several quotes. Being an informed consumer can save you thousands of dollars while still getting the insurance coverage you need.