Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced car insurance policy? You’re in good company because there are many drivers thinking the same thing. You have so many insurers to choose from, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates and cut insurance costs.
The purpose of this article is to help you learn the best way to quote coverages and some tricks to saving. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to save some money using this information. Drivers only need an understanding of the tricks to compare price quotes on the web.
Part of the auto insurance buying process is learning some of the factors that play a part in calculating your premiums. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates, this allows you to make educated decisions that could help you find lower rates.
The list below includes some of the items companies use to determine your rate level.
Companies that sell car insurance don’t list all possible discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as some of the hidden car insurance savings.
A little disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. Despite the fact that it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it’s just not the way it works.
Insurance companies that may offer quotes with these money-saving discounts possibly include:
It’s a good idea to ask all the companies how you can save money. Some discounts listed above may not apply to policyholders in every state.
Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings by companies like Progressive, Geico, Allstate and State Farm. They all make the point that drivers will save a bundle if you just switch your policy.
How do they all offer drivers better rates?
Insurance companies offer their best rates for the type of driver that will not have excessive claims. A good example of a desirable insured should be a mature driver, has no tickets, and drives a lower-performance vehicle. Any person who fits that profile gets the lowest car insurance rates as well as save money with a new company.
Potential insureds who do not meet this ideal profile may receive higher premium rates which results in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The trick is to say “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That’s the way insurance companies can make claims like that.
Each company has different criteria, so you need to get car insurance quotes from several different companies. It’s just too difficult to predict which insurance coverage company will have the best premium rates.
When choosing proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining whether your personal situation could use an agent’s help.
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Knowing the specifics of your policy aids in choosing the best coverages for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring. Shown next are the usual coverages found on most auto insurance policies.
Comprehensive insurance pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, hitting a deer, a broken windshield and hitting a bird. The maximum amount you’ll receive from a claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.
Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your MPV from colliding with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as scraping a guard rail, sustaining damage from a pot hole and hitting a mailbox. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. Another option is to raise the deductible to bring the cost down.
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for bills for things like X-ray expenses, surgery and hospital visits. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers both the driver and occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection from other drivers when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include hospital bills for your injuries as well as damage to your Mazda MPV.
Due to the fact that many drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Normally the UM/UIM limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
This coverage can cover damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property. It protects YOU against claims from other people. Liability doesn’t cover your injuries or vehicle damage.
It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 100/300/100 which stand for a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $300,000, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Some companies may use one number which is a combined single limit which limits claims to one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability coverage protects against things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, repair costs for stationary objects and loss of income. How much liability coverage do you need? That is up to you, but consider buying as much as you can afford.
When getting car insurance quotes online, you should never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are too many instances where an accident victim reduced collision coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best cost and still be able to protect your assets.
Affordable 2002 Mazda MPV insurance can be found online in addition to local insurance agencies, so get free car insurance quotes from both of them to have the best rate selection. Some companies may not have online price quotes and most of the time these smaller providers work with local independent agents.
To learn more, take a look at these articles:
Jeana Fitzgerald
I live just outside Bismarck, North Dakota. Compared quite a few companies. Saved about $20 a month. Progressive was the best choice for me. Insured with Safeco before.
Joseph Bartlett
Just a quick comment on my experience. I live just outside Frederick, Maryland. Received quotes from AIG Insurance, Safeco, and some smaller one I can’t remember the name of for my 2002 Mazda MPV and I think I am saving around $30 each month.
Exie Byers
What does medical payments cover?
Drusilla Lyons
Here’s what I found out. Found cheapest coverage with Liberty Mutual for my 2002 Mazda MPV and cut my rates about $100 a year. I even had a DUI years ago. Just liability coverage since it’s getting old.
Aleshia Curtis
This is too expensive. Checking in from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Quoted quotes with MetLife, Farmers, State Farm, and Amica for my 2002 Mazda MPV and saved just over $110 a year. LOL
Pearly Callahan
I went with Allstate at renewal. Best rates in Burlington, Vermont. Left Hartford to switch. I even had a DUI years ago. :) Just liability coverage since it’s getting old.
Enda Kirby
I’m in Madison, Wisconsin and need high risk coverage. Help!
Ronald Rivera
I’m in Buffalo, New York. Checked online prices for a 2002 Mazda MPV. Ended up at about $120 savings annually. Went with State Farm. I just quoted rates online. I only have liability coverage on it.
Cesar Horton
I live just outside Providence, RI. Received quotes from Travelers, AIG Insurance, The General, and MetLife for my MPV and I’m now saving $17 a month. It’s easy to compare rates online now.
Cyndy Floyd
I’m looking for cheaper coverage. I live just outside Little Rock, AR. Quoted a bunch of companies. Saved roughly $10 a month. State Farm was the cheapest option for me. Not sure if rates are cheaper online or not.
Filiberto Velez
Proud to be from Green Bay, WI. Got car insurance quotes with GEICO, AIG Insurance, and some I forget for my Mazda and saved $78 a year. Insured with Auto-Owners before. I get lower rates because of my clean driving record. I got prices on the web.