Auto insurance rates have risen over the past several years, much like other types of insurance premiums. Yet it's illegal in many states - and decidedly unwise - to forego insuring cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Thankfully, there are a number of steps that an informed consumer can take to lower his or her insurance premiums or make the cost easier to swallow. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Don't skimp on coverage.
Although you don't want to pay too much by being overinsured, be careful to avoid being underinsured. For example, a state may require you to carry $15,000 in bodily injury coverage for each person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Given the costs of medical treatment, however, $15,000 won't go far if you get into a serious accident. If you have considerable assets, such as real estate and investments, you should think about getting higher coverage limits to avoid a situation where your assets might be vulnerable.
2. Take advantage of discounts.
Many insurance carriers offer a variety of discounts. Each may seem small, but together they can add up to significant savings. For example, if you and others who drive your vehicle have clean driving records, you can be eligible for a good driver discount. If you have been driving for several years, you may also get a discount for your driving experience. Other examples of discounts include those that come with insuring more than one vehicle, having different types of insurance (such as homeowners' insurance) with the same company, keeping your car in a garage, and living in a safe neighborhood.
3. Raise your deductible.
A deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. If you think you could afford to pay $500 or $1,000 out of pocket in the event of an accident, this higher deductible can significantly lower your premium.
4. Think before you buy.
Some vehicles are more prone to theft and vandalism, and some are more costly to repair. If you're going to buy a new car but can't decide between several models, get insurance quotes for each model. You could reap significant savings on one kind of vehicle over another.
5. Do you need the extras?
Some auto insurance policies include extras like rental car coverage and roadside assistance. If you are certain you don't need these extras, you may be able to lower your premium by choosing another type of policy.
6. Do an online car insurance comparison.
Thankfully, you don't have to make dozens of phone calls in order to find competitive rates. If you shop for auto insurance online, you can easily input your vehicle and driving information and obtain real-time quotes from insurance carriers. If you choose a site that is operated by a licensed auto insurance brokerage, you can even buy your auto insurance online. It's a great way to compare multiple company quotes in a few simple steps, and to get the coverage you need at the price you want.
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About
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon
International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2009 (Sun Jan 06 2008)
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