When trying to find lower-priced insurance, do you get confused by the sheer number of insurance coverage sources? Vehicle owners have such a vast assortment of sources available that it can easily turn into a challenge to find better insurance coverage rates.
Finding affordable coverage is not that difficult. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But car owners do need to know the way insurance companies market insurance on the web and use this information to your advantage.
There are a variety of methods you can shop for car insurance but some are less time-consuming than others. You can spend countless hours talking to agents in your area, or you can stay home and use the internet to get prices fast.
Many insurance companies belong to a marketplace where insurance shoppers only type in their quote data once, and at least one company can give them a price based on that information. This eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions to every company.
To access this free quoting program, click here to start a free quote.
The one downside to pricing coverage this way is that consumers can’t choose the insurers you want to price. If you wish to select individual companies for rate comparison, we have a page of car insurance companies in your area. View list of insurance companies.
You can choose any of those ways to find more affodable coverage, but make sure you compare equivalent coverages with each company. If you use higher or lower deductibles then you won’t be able to make an equal comparison. Even a minor difference in coverages can make a big difference in price. And when quoting car insurance, remember that comparing more rates from different companies provides better odds of finding more affordable rates. Some companies don’t provide prices over the internet, so it’s recommended that you also compare price estimates from them as well.
Insurance is expensive, but there could be significant discounts to reduce the price significantly. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time of purchase, but less common discounts must be asked about before you will receive the discount.
Discounts reduce rates, but you should keep in mind that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Even though the math looks like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way. Any amount of discount should help reduce your premiums.
To see a list of insurance companies that have a full spectrum of discounts, click here to view.
When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Every situation is different.
For instance, these questions may help highlight if you may require specific advice.
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.
Having a good grasp of your car insurance policy helps when choosing the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording.
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle from other motorists when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your 1999 Toyota RAV4.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is very important.
This pays for damage to your RAV4 from colliding with another car or object. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against claims like colliding with a tree, driving through your garage door and crashing into a building. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to raise the deductible to bring the cost down.
This coverage protects you from damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people by causing an accident. It protects YOU from claims by other people. It does not cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
Coverage consists of three different limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 50/100/50 which stand for $50,000 bodily injury coverage, a per accident bodily injury limit of $100,000, and property damage coverage for $50,000.
Liability coverage pays for claims like bail bonds, structural damage, funeral expenses and attorney fees. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a decision to put some thought into, but you should buy higher limits if possible.
Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for expenses for X-ray expenses, funeral costs and hospital visits. They can be used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. It covers all vehicle occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not universally available but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as a broken windshield, hitting a bird, fire damage and damage from getting keyed. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
There are still a few companies who may not offer online quoting and many times these smaller providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies. Cheaper insurance coverage can be sourced online in addition to many insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture.
When searching for the cheapest insurance coverage quotes, do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds change insurance companies for many reasons like questionable increases in premium, unfair underwriting practices, delays in paying claims or poor customer service. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new company can be less work than you think.
More tips and info about insurance coverage can be found in these articles:
Catalina Vargas
Not sure if this is cheap. From northwest of Columbus, GA. I quoted with Allstate, Amica, Erie, and GMAC for my 1999 Toyota RAV4 and I think I cut my rates about $30 each month. Moved home policy as well. I don’t have comp or collision coverage.
Cindi Padilla
Is Progressive or State Farm cheaper in Anchorage, AK?
Patsy Baldwin
Here’s my quote info. Went with Hartford for my Toyota and cut my rates about $110 a year. Insured with GMAC before. I have several vehicles insured with them. Get lots of quotes to find the best rate. Not worth enough to pay for comprehensive and collision.
Dione Floyd
I’m in the south part of Henderson, NV. Quoted rates from Progressive, AIG Insurance, and some I forget for my 1999 Toyota RAV4 and saved $116 a year. Left State Farm to switch. When should I drop full coverage?
Melynda Avila
If you have a clean record and live in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts, check out GEICO. They seem to be cheaper. Left GEICO to switch. I even had a DUI years ago. Get lots of quotes to find the best rate. Liability only on my Toyota.
Andre Snider
Does West Virginia require a SR-22 after a DUI?