Liability Coverage Limits:No one can predict exactly how much you would have to pay if you were to cause an accident. Ask yourself how you would pay for any damages exceeding your coverage limits. The higher your limits are, the more likely your policy will be able to pay all of the damages.
•Bodily Injury liabilityHow much coverage you need is a function of the assets you'd like to protect. If you make $30k a year and don't own a home, $50k/$100k should be sufficient. However If you make more than $75k, own a house valued at more than $150k, and have $40k in mutual funds you should consider coverage limits of at least $100k/$300k
How much you'll pay to increase your bodily injury liability coverage depends on several factors, including your age, marital status and driving record. It also depends on where you live. For example, In New York City, where the frequency of bodily injury is higher than in most cities, this coverage would cost significantly more than if you lived in Rochester, NY.
•Personal Damage LiabilityThis coverage will pay for the repair and replacement of the other guy's car or property in the event of an accident. State-required minimums are as low as $5,000, but if you total somebody's Lexus, that won't begin to cover the damage.
You're better off with a minimum of $50,000 for each vehicle you own. And to be truly safe, you should have a total of $100,000 coverage.
•Personal Injury ProtectionThis is definitely one coverage you can skimp on. PIP coverage pays for the medical and funeral costs associated with an accident for you and your family - regardless of whose fault it was. But if you a lready have separate health, life and disability policies, you can probably forgo this one altogether. Check those policies first, but chances are those sort of expenses are covered under another policy you already own.
•Uninsured or Underinsured MotoristThis coverage pays for medical and funeral costs for you and your family in the event you get in an accident with either a hit-and-run driver or a driver who doesn't have enough auto insurance. These policies usually cover bike and pedestrian accidents, too. Given the prevalence of uninsured drivers nationally, this coverage is essential. On average, it costs less than $40 a year for $100,000 worth and will make up for anything your medical insurance doesn't cover.
•Collision & Comprehensive deductiblesHigher deductibles lower your premium but increase your out of pocket expense if a loss occurs.
Collision reimburses you for the full cost of repairs or replacement of your car after an accident. Comprehensive covers you in the event your car falls victim to a natural disaster, vandalism or theft. With either coverage, the lower the deductible you choose, the more the policy will cost you. We recommend that you always choose the highest deductible you can afford ($1,000 is fine). After all, the purpose of insurance is to protect you against big losses, not to make you whole to the last dollar. If you have an older car, you might drop this coverage altogether.
Collision and comprehensive - which can account for 30% to 40% of your t otal premium - are cash-value coverages. Which means if your car i s damaged, the most you'll recoup is the Kelley Blue Book value, which declines rapidly as your car ages. Here's a good rule of thumb: If the cost of your collision and comprehensive is more than 10% of your car's Blue Book value, it probably makes sense to drop these coverages all together and save a tidy sum. With most cars, you should approach this limit as the car turns five years old. Understand, however, that if you eliminate the coverages, you'll have to foot the bill if you get in an accident that's your fault, or if the car is totaled or stolen.
You may be required to carry collision or comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is leased or financed. If not, you might consider dropping this coverage and pocketing the savings on premiums. As your car's value decreases
Tips:Buying car insurance
How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy?
How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy?
Car insurance is not very exciting. Depending on which state you live in, it could be a smaller or larger piece of your budget than your neighbors across state lines.
How much insurance should you buy? Any insurance agent worthy of their salt will tell you that you should buy as much as you can afford. While this is a good rule of thumb, it is about as useful as a stockbroker’s tip to buy low and sell high. It might be sound logic but it does not get you any closer to an educated decision. A few filters need consideration in order to make that educated decision. First, what is the state required minimum coverage where you live? Second, what does the minimum cover? Third, what other coverage is available and can you afford it? Fourthly, what are you protecting?
You can use our easy Insurance Coverage Calculator or get an auto insurance quote to see the recommended coverage levels.
What is the minimum for your state?
You can get up to date state minimum requirements by following this link and selecting your state.
The first two figures refer to Bodily Injury Liability Limits. For example, 20/40 means coverage up to $20,000 for each person injured in an accident, up to a maximum of $40,000 forth entire accident, and then you could have 20/40/10 with $10,000 worth of coverage for property damage.
What do the minimums cover?
Now that you know what your state requires, what are you actually covered for once you purchase the minimum? Using the coverage definitions that follow, find the types of coverage required and see what your state says is the accepted minimum.
Coverage Definitions
Bodily Injury Liability covers other people's bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. Claims for bodily injury may be for such things as medical bills, loss of income or pain and suffering. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore, it's good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars. Bodily Injury Liability does NOT cover you or other people on your policy. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Comprehensive covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you maybe driving for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire, or animals. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Collision covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle, or other object. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Medical Payments covers medical expenses to you and your passengers injured in an accident. There may also be coverage if as a pedestrian a vehicle injures you. Does NOT matter who is at fault. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury covers bodily injuries to you and your passengers when the other person has no insurance or not enough insurance in a crash that is not your fault. In some states, there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy
Personal Injury Protection covers within the specified limits, the medical, hospital and funeral expenses of the insured, others in his vehicles and pedestrians struck by him. The basic coverage for the insured's own injuries on first-party basis, without regard to fault. It is only available in certain states.
Property Damage Liability covers you if your car damages someone else's property. Usually it is their car, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in an accident. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Rental Car Reimbursement covers renting a car if your car isn't drivable or while your car is being repaired because of a covered accident.
What else is available and can you afford it?
Did you come across a coverage and think, "I need that but it isn't required by state law" when you were reviewing the coverage definitions? Chances are you did. Can your budget afford the additional expense of these protections? Alternatively, maybe more to the point can you afford NOT to have these additional protections? At CarInsurance.com it is easy to get multiple quotes all with a click of your mouse. Moreover, during the quoting process, it is simple to add or remove coverage to see how additional coverage will affect your budget.
You can learn more about Insurance Coverages by following this link.
What are you protecting?
What assets need to be protected from being plucked away if you cause injury or damage? A) Your car itself. If this is a significant asset, or at least the bank you owe money to thinks so, then you will need comprehensive and collision. B) Your net worth. Do you have an enormous net worth to protect. If so, either take it out of your name and put it into a trust or buy all the insurance you can. If you have little or nothing to protect, then you can get by with less and still be financially responsible.
However, after you determine how much protection to get, always ask how much more it is for the next level higher. Very often, you can get significantly more coverage for very little cost.
Car insurance is not flashy. There is no "wow" factor and the opposite gender is not going to be impressed by the size of your policy. Nevertheless, not having enough can be the difference between financial stability and financial ruin. For what its worth, CarInsurance.com finds financial stability incredibly appealing.
Provided By: CarInsurance.com
Car insurance is not very exciting. Depending on which state you live in, it could be a smaller or larger piece of your budget than your neighbors across state lines.
How much insurance should you buy? Any insurance agent worthy of their salt will tell you that you should buy as much as you can afford. While this is a good rule of thumb, it is about as useful as a stockbroker’s tip to buy low and sell high. It might be sound logic but it does not get you any closer to an educated decision. A few filters need consideration in order to make that educated decision. First, what is the state required minimum coverage where you live? Second, what does the minimum cover? Third, what other coverage is available and can you afford it? Fourthly, what are you protecting?
You can use our easy Insurance Coverage Calculator or get an auto insurance quote to see the recommended coverage levels.
What is the minimum for your state?
You can get up to date state minimum requirements by following this link and selecting your state.
The first two figures refer to Bodily Injury Liability Limits. For example, 20/40 means coverage up to $20,000 for each person injured in an accident, up to a maximum of $40,000 forth entire accident, and then you could have 20/40/10 with $10,000 worth of coverage for property damage.
What do the minimums cover?
Now that you know what your state requires, what are you actually covered for once you purchase the minimum? Using the coverage definitions that follow, find the types of coverage required and see what your state says is the accepted minimum.
Coverage Definitions
Bodily Injury Liability covers other people's bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. Claims for bodily injury may be for such things as medical bills, loss of income or pain and suffering. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore, it's good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars. Bodily Injury Liability does NOT cover you or other people on your policy. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Comprehensive covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you maybe driving for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire, or animals. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Collision covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle, or other object. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Medical Payments covers medical expenses to you and your passengers injured in an accident. There may also be coverage if as a pedestrian a vehicle injures you. Does NOT matter who is at fault. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury covers bodily injuries to you and your passengers when the other person has no insurance or not enough insurance in a crash that is not your fault. In some states, there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy
Personal Injury Protection covers within the specified limits, the medical, hospital and funeral expenses of the insured, others in his vehicles and pedestrians struck by him. The basic coverage for the insured's own injuries on first-party basis, without regard to fault. It is only available in certain states.
Property Damage Liability covers you if your car damages someone else's property. Usually it is their car, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in an accident. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Rental Car Reimbursement covers renting a car if your car isn't drivable or while your car is being repaired because of a covered accident.
What else is available and can you afford it?
Did you come across a coverage and think, "I need that but it isn't required by state law" when you were reviewing the coverage definitions? Chances are you did. Can your budget afford the additional expense of these protections? Alternatively, maybe more to the point can you afford NOT to have these additional protections? At CarInsurance.com it is easy to get multiple quotes all with a click of your mouse. Moreover, during the quoting process, it is simple to add or remove coverage to see how additional coverage will affect your budget.
You can learn more about Insurance Coverages by following this link.
What are you protecting?
What assets need to be protected from being plucked away if you cause injury or damage? A) Your car itself. If this is a significant asset, or at least the bank you owe money to thinks so, then you will need comprehensive and collision. B) Your net worth. Do you have an enormous net worth to protect. If so, either take it out of your name and put it into a trust or buy all the insurance you can. If you have little or nothing to protect, then you can get by with less and still be financially responsible.
However, after you determine how much protection to get, always ask how much more it is for the next level higher. Very often, you can get significantly more coverage for very little cost.
Car insurance is not flashy. There is no "wow" factor and the opposite gender is not going to be impressed by the size of your policy. Nevertheless, not having enough can be the difference between financial stability and financial ruin. For what its worth, CarInsurance.com finds financial stability incredibly appealing.
Provided By: CarInsurance.com
10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance
10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance
Introduction
The following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."
Step 1: Starting Out
When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?
Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.
Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.
Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)
Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.
So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?
Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.
General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.
Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.
Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.
Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance Policy
Before you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.
You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.
Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.
Step 4: Solicit Competitive Quotes
Now that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.
Begin with the online services. If you go to InsWeb.com or other online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.
A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.
You can also try getting quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Geico or Progressive. These forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.
Step 5: Record and Compare Quotes
While you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:
•Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
•An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
•The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
•Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
•The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
•The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later)
Step 6: Work the Phones
Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.
Step 7: Look for Discounts
While talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."
Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance Company
You now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?
Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:
1.Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
2.Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
3.Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
4.Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
5.Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies.
Step 9: Review the Policy Before You Sign
So, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:
1.Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.
2.Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim.
Step 10: Cancel Your Old Policy
After you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).
Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance.
Checklist
•Determine your state's insurance requirements.
•Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.
•Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?
•Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.
•Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as InsWeb.com, Geico and Progressive.
•Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.
•Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.
•Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.
•If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Introduction
The following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."
Step 1: Starting Out
When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?
Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.
Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.
Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)
Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.
So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?
Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.
General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.
Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.
Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.
Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance Policy
Before you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.
You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.
Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.
Step 4: Solicit Competitive Quotes
Now that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.
Begin with the online services. If you go to InsWeb.com or other online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.
A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.
You can also try getting quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Geico or Progressive. These forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.
Step 5: Record and Compare Quotes
While you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:
•Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
•An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
•The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
•Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
•The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
•The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later)
Step 6: Work the Phones
Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.
Step 7: Look for Discounts
While talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."
Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance Company
You now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?
Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:
1.Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
2.Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
3.Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
4.Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
5.Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies.
Step 9: Review the Policy Before You Sign
So, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:
1.Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.
2.Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim.
Step 10: Cancel Your Old Policy
After you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).
Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance.
Checklist
•Determine your state's insurance requirements.
•Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.
•Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?
•Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.
•Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as InsWeb.com, Geico and Progressive.
•Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.
•Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.
•Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.
•If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Frequently Compare the Cost of Insurance
Frequently Compare the Cost of Insurance
Residents in just about every state must be insured by an automobile policy to legally operate a vehicle. The majority of states also require that automobile coverage is maintained throughout the registration period, but the most important thing to most consumers is the cost of car insurance. The price that an individual pays for an automobile policy should be of importance since it is an item that the average person pays for year after year. From the age a person gets licensed, around 16, to the day they decide to hang up the keys for good, one can only imagine the premiums that have been paid over the course of a lifetime.
A person will end up doling out a large chunk of their life’s income and the best way to keep that amount as low as possible is to find out how much is auto insurance as often as possible to ensure that money is being applied correctly. A large majority of American consumers will find the cheapest insurer and continue paying premiums for years without periodically checking to see if there may be a more affordable carrier that has become available. The industry changes consistently companies move in and out of the market and change pricing on a regular basis to stay competitive. Being an active shopper will help a motorist pay the best rate at all times and save thousands of dollars over the course of their life.
Reasons to Compare Insurance Costs
Consumers should be aware that when some type of change occurs it affect the amount that is paid for auto insurance. Throughout an individuals lives there will be many accomplishments and occasions that will change what the cost of automobile coverage will be. Unfortunately, this can be both negative and positive. For instance, if a motorist is convicted of traffic violations then they may experience a rate hike from their insurer at time of renewal, especially the conviction is for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any time a rate increase occurs a consumer should shop around and see if a different company will be able to offer a better price rather than sticking with a current carrier at a higher premium.
On a positive note, there are many instances that will entitle motorists to cheaper policies. A good example is an individual that became insured at the age of sixteen and is now nineteen with three years of driving experience under their belt; this may entitle them to a good driver discount and cheaper coverage. At the time when they got insured as a newly licensed driver they may have found the company that was willing to accept the risk to insure them at the best rate, but now another carrier may be more competitive, but the only way to find out is by shopping around. The Illinois Department of Insurance advises motorists to shop around for the best product and the best price; this should be done frequently.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/quotes/how-much-car-insurance-costs.htm
Residents in just about every state must be insured by an automobile policy to legally operate a vehicle. The majority of states also require that automobile coverage is maintained throughout the registration period, but the most important thing to most consumers is the cost of car insurance. The price that an individual pays for an automobile policy should be of importance since it is an item that the average person pays for year after year. From the age a person gets licensed, around 16, to the day they decide to hang up the keys for good, one can only imagine the premiums that have been paid over the course of a lifetime.
A person will end up doling out a large chunk of their life’s income and the best way to keep that amount as low as possible is to find out how much is auto insurance as often as possible to ensure that money is being applied correctly. A large majority of American consumers will find the cheapest insurer and continue paying premiums for years without periodically checking to see if there may be a more affordable carrier that has become available. The industry changes consistently companies move in and out of the market and change pricing on a regular basis to stay competitive. Being an active shopper will help a motorist pay the best rate at all times and save thousands of dollars over the course of their life.
Reasons to Compare Insurance Costs
Consumers should be aware that when some type of change occurs it affect the amount that is paid for auto insurance. Throughout an individuals lives there will be many accomplishments and occasions that will change what the cost of automobile coverage will be. Unfortunately, this can be both negative and positive. For instance, if a motorist is convicted of traffic violations then they may experience a rate hike from their insurer at time of renewal, especially the conviction is for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any time a rate increase occurs a consumer should shop around and see if a different company will be able to offer a better price rather than sticking with a current carrier at a higher premium.
On a positive note, there are many instances that will entitle motorists to cheaper policies. A good example is an individual that became insured at the age of sixteen and is now nineteen with three years of driving experience under their belt; this may entitle them to a good driver discount and cheaper coverage. At the time when they got insured as a newly licensed driver they may have found the company that was willing to accept the risk to insure them at the best rate, but now another carrier may be more competitive, but the only way to find out is by shopping around. The Illinois Department of Insurance advises motorists to shop around for the best product and the best price; this should be done frequently.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/quotes/how-much-car-insurance-costs.htm
Compare More Extensive Florida Car Insurance
Compare More Extensive Florida Car Insurance
Although one of the most populated states in terms of person per square mile, which generally means a higher likelihood of traffic accidents, the Sunshine State mandates relatively low automobile coverage requirements. The rates in FL may be among the highest on average in the nation, but residents may want to look into obtaining more than the bare minimum. At this point in time the state’s laws only require motorists to purchase auto insurance policies consisting of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. In the event of a number of different scenarios occur stemming from a traffic collision, having such little protection can leave a policyholder with a financial strain.
Even with coverage costs being high in the state, it can be well worth the extra money spent on premiums to avoid being left to foot a bill in an amount that has exceeded the limits of a policy. When residents set out to purchase automobile policies it may be a good idea to complete a Florida car insurance comparison based on the various options that consumers have to choose from. In many cases a Floridian may be surprised to learn that more adequate protection can be obtained at a price that can be afforded. Getting quotes on different coverage levels can be done free of charge and can prove to be beneficial if a better policy is found at a price that is right; the only thing a consumer has to lose is a bit of time to shop around.
Benefits of More Extensive Florida Insurance
Florida is a No-Fault state, which means that motorists are required to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection to cover injuries to the insured and those who are covered by the policy. As many are aware, this dollar amount will not cover the medical expenses should an insured suffer injuries where a hospital stay would be needed. An injured motorist may have the ability to recover the cost of medical care through litigation if the other party was at fault, but if this is not an option the insured may be hit with big medical bills. It may be worth paying an additional amount in premiums to help better protect from such situations.
The other portion of the mandatory coverage requirements is property damage liability which covers damages that an insured causes. Although $10,000 in protection may seem sufficient, it can easily be used up if an insured were to cause substantial damage to a newer vehicle or luxury automobile. The average value of a new cars purchased is close to $30,000 and causing damage to such a vehicle resulting in it being declared a total loss can leave a policyholder with quite a hefty bill. The insurer would only have to pay the policy limit and the consumer would be left liable for any remaining compensation due to the other party. Residents should also be aware that the minimum requirements do not pay for any damages to the vehicle of the policyholder and may want to consider purchasing a policy that does. The Florida automobile insurance consumer guide provided by is a valuable resource that a resident may want to refer to in order to help ensure that all necessary risks are covered.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/florida/florida-auto-insurance-quote-comparison.htm
Although one of the most populated states in terms of person per square mile, which generally means a higher likelihood of traffic accidents, the Sunshine State mandates relatively low automobile coverage requirements. The rates in FL may be among the highest on average in the nation, but residents may want to look into obtaining more than the bare minimum. At this point in time the state’s laws only require motorists to purchase auto insurance policies consisting of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. In the event of a number of different scenarios occur stemming from a traffic collision, having such little protection can leave a policyholder with a financial strain.
Even with coverage costs being high in the state, it can be well worth the extra money spent on premiums to avoid being left to foot a bill in an amount that has exceeded the limits of a policy. When residents set out to purchase automobile policies it may be a good idea to complete a Florida car insurance comparison based on the various options that consumers have to choose from. In many cases a Floridian may be surprised to learn that more adequate protection can be obtained at a price that can be afforded. Getting quotes on different coverage levels can be done free of charge and can prove to be beneficial if a better policy is found at a price that is right; the only thing a consumer has to lose is a bit of time to shop around.
Benefits of More Extensive Florida Insurance
Florida is a No-Fault state, which means that motorists are required to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection to cover injuries to the insured and those who are covered by the policy. As many are aware, this dollar amount will not cover the medical expenses should an insured suffer injuries where a hospital stay would be needed. An injured motorist may have the ability to recover the cost of medical care through litigation if the other party was at fault, but if this is not an option the insured may be hit with big medical bills. It may be worth paying an additional amount in premiums to help better protect from such situations.
The other portion of the mandatory coverage requirements is property damage liability which covers damages that an insured causes. Although $10,000 in protection may seem sufficient, it can easily be used up if an insured were to cause substantial damage to a newer vehicle or luxury automobile. The average value of a new cars purchased is close to $30,000 and causing damage to such a vehicle resulting in it being declared a total loss can leave a policyholder with quite a hefty bill. The insurer would only have to pay the policy limit and the consumer would be left liable for any remaining compensation due to the other party. Residents should also be aware that the minimum requirements do not pay for any damages to the vehicle of the policyholder and may want to consider purchasing a policy that does. The Florida automobile insurance consumer guide provided by is a valuable resource that a resident may want to refer to in order to help ensure that all necessary risks are covered.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/florida/florida-auto-insurance-quote-comparison.htm
The High Risk Auto Insurance Pool
The High Risk Auto Insurance Pool
The cost associated with getting insured is dependent on the potential risks of a policyholder filing a claim and an insurer suffering a loss. Individuals that are riskier to insure in the eyes of carriers are far more likely to pay inflated premiums than motorists that pose a low-risk. Insurers have put much effort into assessing risks and take many factors into account when determining what classifies a driver as a high risk. Some of these factors are out of the control of consumers and others can be controlled to avoid paying higher rates for coverage.
Factors that are commonly used to determine premiums are age, gender, driving history, claims history, place of residence, type of vehicle and annual miles driven. Many of these items are taken into consideration by insurers and most tend to agree which types of drivers will land in the high risk auto insurance pool based on each factor. In some cases these “risky” motorists may have a hard time locating coverage and an even harder time finding an affordable rate. Many companies will deny a policy to such motorists while others may be willing to accept the elevated risks, but at an increased premium.
Who May Need High Risk Car Insurance
A person with numerous tickets and accident on a driving record can find themselves viewed as riskier to insure by carriers and may have to pay higher premiums for auto insurance than those with clean driving records. A trend of committing traffic violations or being involved in accidents indicates to insurer that the trend may continue throughout the policy term and although carriers do not pay any costs associated with tickets, things such as running red lights and stop signs, speeding and tailgating can all lead to accidents.
One almost immediate way to land in the high risk pool is by being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving is a very serious offense and dangerous, which can lead to accidents, injury and death. Not only will a conviction make the price of policies skyrocket, it could cause a motorist’s current insurer to drop them altogether. This is something that a motorist should avoid not only to keep premiums down, but to lower the chance of being involved in a serious accident.
When it comes to automobile coverage teenagers always have it rough, especially males. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 pay rates than any other age group (assuming that driving records are similar). The reason for this is simple, statistics show that these teens are 3 times more likely to be involved in an accident than more mature drivers.
Policy cancellations and lapses can also affect premiums. According to the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration an insurer can place a motorist in the high risk pool if they have not been insured in the last 30 days, although laws may vary in other states. Many factors can cause the cost of policies to increase and many can be controlled.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/learn/high-risk-drivers.htm
The cost associated with getting insured is dependent on the potential risks of a policyholder filing a claim and an insurer suffering a loss. Individuals that are riskier to insure in the eyes of carriers are far more likely to pay inflated premiums than motorists that pose a low-risk. Insurers have put much effort into assessing risks and take many factors into account when determining what classifies a driver as a high risk. Some of these factors are out of the control of consumers and others can be controlled to avoid paying higher rates for coverage.
Factors that are commonly used to determine premiums are age, gender, driving history, claims history, place of residence, type of vehicle and annual miles driven. Many of these items are taken into consideration by insurers and most tend to agree which types of drivers will land in the high risk auto insurance pool based on each factor. In some cases these “risky” motorists may have a hard time locating coverage and an even harder time finding an affordable rate. Many companies will deny a policy to such motorists while others may be willing to accept the elevated risks, but at an increased premium.
Who May Need High Risk Car Insurance
A person with numerous tickets and accident on a driving record can find themselves viewed as riskier to insure by carriers and may have to pay higher premiums for auto insurance than those with clean driving records. A trend of committing traffic violations or being involved in accidents indicates to insurer that the trend may continue throughout the policy term and although carriers do not pay any costs associated with tickets, things such as running red lights and stop signs, speeding and tailgating can all lead to accidents.
One almost immediate way to land in the high risk pool is by being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving is a very serious offense and dangerous, which can lead to accidents, injury and death. Not only will a conviction make the price of policies skyrocket, it could cause a motorist’s current insurer to drop them altogether. This is something that a motorist should avoid not only to keep premiums down, but to lower the chance of being involved in a serious accident.
When it comes to automobile coverage teenagers always have it rough, especially males. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 pay rates than any other age group (assuming that driving records are similar). The reason for this is simple, statistics show that these teens are 3 times more likely to be involved in an accident than more mature drivers.
Policy cancellations and lapses can also affect premiums. According to the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration an insurer can place a motorist in the high risk pool if they have not been insured in the last 30 days, although laws may vary in other states. Many factors can cause the cost of policies to increase and many can be controlled.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/learn/high-risk-drivers.htm
Lower the Cost of Auto Insurance
Lower the Cost of Auto Insurance
Individuals that are motorists in the United States are likely required to be financially responsible for injuries and damages caused as a result of an at-fault automobile accident. Every state has different options in regards to the way this law can be satisfied, but the majority of consumers choose to comply with financial responsibility laws by purchasing auto insurance policies. This is mainly because the other available options may require large cash deposits with a state department or purchasing and filing a bond. Obtaining automobile coverage may simply be the easiest, most feasible, and affordable choice for the average consumer.
Unfortunately, there are millions of Americans that are overpaying for vehicle policies and over time each may be throwing away hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year. This can be due to a number of reasons; a motorist could have been referred to a company and bought a policy without check around to see a better deal was available, a policyholder may have bought coverage a few years ago and have not checked to see if a cheaper carrier is now available or the individual simply did not take the time to ensure the most affordable insurer was found. The good news is that there are many ways that consumers can lower premiums and obtain low cost auto insurance policies.
Ways to Lower Insurance Costs
Motorists can take many steps that may reduce premiums and one place to start is to comparison shop. This is advised in just about any consumer guide, blog or publication referring to lowering the costs associated with auto insurance and it is with good reason; it pays to shop around. Putting a couple of hours aside to research and compare rate quotes can save consumers hundreds of dollars a year on automobile coverage. The price that insurers charge for vehicle policies can vary significantly, even for the same amount of protection.
Vehicle owners can also lower rates by dropping comprehensive and collision on older automobiles. It is usually suggested to take this action that if a car is worth less than the premium and the deductible. Individuals may find the estimated value of an automobile online or by calling local auto dealerships. For those still in need of comprehensive and collision can opt for a higher deductible. Generally, the more a person is willing to pay towards a claim, the less an insurer will charge for coverage. Although, consumers must be careful when raising deductibles and make sure the amount can be paid if a loss were to occur.
Always be sure that all applicable discounts are applied. There are numerous types of discounts given by some insurers such as multi-car, low mileage, good driver, good student and having a vehicle equipped with safety features and anti-theft devices; additional discount may be available. Individuals should also check with state departments such as the Oregon Insurance Division that provide tips to saving. These are valuable and trustworthy resources that aim to protect residents and offer sound advice to help consumers get affordable coverage.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/low-cost/
Individuals that are motorists in the United States are likely required to be financially responsible for injuries and damages caused as a result of an at-fault automobile accident. Every state has different options in regards to the way this law can be satisfied, but the majority of consumers choose to comply with financial responsibility laws by purchasing auto insurance policies. This is mainly because the other available options may require large cash deposits with a state department or purchasing and filing a bond. Obtaining automobile coverage may simply be the easiest, most feasible, and affordable choice for the average consumer.
Unfortunately, there are millions of Americans that are overpaying for vehicle policies and over time each may be throwing away hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year. This can be due to a number of reasons; a motorist could have been referred to a company and bought a policy without check around to see a better deal was available, a policyholder may have bought coverage a few years ago and have not checked to see if a cheaper carrier is now available or the individual simply did not take the time to ensure the most affordable insurer was found. The good news is that there are many ways that consumers can lower premiums and obtain low cost auto insurance policies.
Ways to Lower Insurance Costs
Motorists can take many steps that may reduce premiums and one place to start is to comparison shop. This is advised in just about any consumer guide, blog or publication referring to lowering the costs associated with auto insurance and it is with good reason; it pays to shop around. Putting a couple of hours aside to research and compare rate quotes can save consumers hundreds of dollars a year on automobile coverage. The price that insurers charge for vehicle policies can vary significantly, even for the same amount of protection.
Vehicle owners can also lower rates by dropping comprehensive and collision on older automobiles. It is usually suggested to take this action that if a car is worth less than the premium and the deductible. Individuals may find the estimated value of an automobile online or by calling local auto dealerships. For those still in need of comprehensive and collision can opt for a higher deductible. Generally, the more a person is willing to pay towards a claim, the less an insurer will charge for coverage. Although, consumers must be careful when raising deductibles and make sure the amount can be paid if a loss were to occur.
Always be sure that all applicable discounts are applied. There are numerous types of discounts given by some insurers such as multi-car, low mileage, good driver, good student and having a vehicle equipped with safety features and anti-theft devices; additional discount may be available. Individuals should also check with state departments such as the Oregon Insurance Division that provide tips to saving. These are valuable and trustworthy resources that aim to protect residents and offer sound advice to help consumers get affordable coverage.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/low-cost/
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