My Online Car Insurance

By: S. Davis

How to Find Your Best Auto Insurance Match

There are some areas in life where being surprised can be a pleasant experience. Usually being surprised in regard to one’s auto insurance doesn’t fit into that catagory. Way too many of us have stories to tell about learning our lessons the hard way.  My personal experience made me aware that I should have made being over 25 and married a prerequsite for converting my sons to licensed drivers.  And, although it’s easy to make jokes about a lot of things that weren’t very funny when we were dealing with them, most of us would rather know how to avoid unpleasant surprises.   Most of us readily admit that we spend a disproportionate amount of time and effort into shopping for a new car compared to deciding what kind of auto insurance we will buy for it.  If you bought your car based on finding the one that matched your list of mandatory options from the seller offering the best price, you have done the due dilligence to make an informed purchase.  You probably knew what you were in the market for before you went looking for it. “I’ll have the red, two door, automatic, low mileage, sunroof, surround sound stereo, late model, preferably with custom wheels, please.  Insurance, sure, something cheap, on the side, thanks”.  That’s funny, until we have to deal with complications we weren’t prepared for. 

The following list is designed to help you make better informed decisions on getting the auto insurance coverage that you need.  Taking the time to find the best match now is the best way to avoid being surprised. 

·      Research rates for the type of vehicle, (make & model) before you finalize your purchase.  Don’t make the assumption that rates will be the same for vehicles that are simular to each other.  Don’t assume that the insurance rate will be higher on a vehicle that costs more to purchase; or lower on one you can buy for less.  Don’t be lead by suggestion. When a seller says, “they’re about the same to insure”, when you are comparing different vehicles; you still need to compare the rates.  If you don’t know what about equals before you buy, you might be in for a surprise.  Sports cars, convertibles, and performance package vehicles are often considered higher risks, and their rates will reflect that.  Vehicles that are on the list as popular theft targets are going to cost more to insure, as well.  Don’t assume that your auto insurance rate will stay the same if you relocate, either.  If you know you will be moving, it’s best to inquire in advance and be prepared.

       *   Research the Insurance Company’s reputation before you sign-on.  Sadly,  there are a lot of scams and scammers out there.  As tempting  as it             might be to run with that great deal you find, keep in mind those two old sayings – “If it’s too good to be true – it isn’t”, and “Always read  everything before you sign it.”  The worst case senario in dealing with an auto insurance company that isn’t solidly established, or worse yet, is unethical, would not only be the waste of the money you’ve already paid, but you could find yourself  responsible for paying for any damages you were involved with.  It’s relatively easy to do a  BBB check on a company.   A third old saying to remember – “Better safe than sorry.”

          *  Select the proper coverage.  Make sure that you understand what your policy provides coverage for and what is not covered.  Even if you are buying on line, you can carefully read the policy before you agree to the terms, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask the agent to explain anything that you don’t understand.  A reputable agent wants you to know what you are signing.  Are you getting the coverage you need?  Are you duplicating coverage that you have elsewhere, (such as road service  reimbursement).  Could you save money by adding that coverage onto your auto insurance policy?  Weigh your options and more importantly, don’t make the mistake of not having the coverage you need because you didn’t understand what you were buying.

           *  Shop your discount options carefully.  Make informed inquiries.  Find out what discounts are available and make sure that your policy costs consider those factors after you have made your selections.  Many companies reduce rates for insuring more than one vehicle or for also covering your other insurance needs, such as homeowners coverage.  Make sure you ask questions to find out what discounts might be available to you.  Most

of us know about reduced rates for safe drivers, but some companies offer discounts for not smoking or for student drivers that have passed drivers education classes or maintain good grades in school.  There are a lot of companies competing for your business.  Smart buyers are expected to ask questions.

Finally,  some auto insurance companies have a target market that doesn’t encourage them to provide coverage for certain types of vehicles.  Some companies won’t provide coverage at all for certain vehicles.  Others will write coverage if you are already have existing policies with them, but have to use a rate schedule that doesn’t offer cost flexibility.   If,  for example,  you have your heart set on bringing that classic muscle car home with you,  do your homework,  and look for companies that specialize in covering the kind of vehicle you want to purchase.  

ou buy so you have the consumers advantage of making your best choice. 

In any case,  you don’t need to become an auto insurance expert to get the best, most affordable coverage for you money.  The time required to be informed and to ask the right questions will spare you those unwanted surprises.

Similar Posts:

• Why Purchase Car insurance Online
• Inexpensive Auto Insurance Does Exist Posted By: Andrew Clayton
• Car Insurance Rates
• Finding the Best Deals on Auto Insurance Policies
• Auto Insurance Discounts From Bristol West