I can’t think of anyone who anticipates paying for insurance, especially knowing they could find better rates elsewhere.
You have so many car insurance companies to insure vehicles with, and even though it’s nice to be able to choose, more options can take longer to find the best rates.
Buying car insurance is not that difficult. If you have car insurance now, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using these tips. But drivers need to learn how the larger insurance companies market on the web.
Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise every policy discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down some of the more common as well as some of the hidden credits available to you. If you do not double check each discount you deserve, you’re paying more than you need to.
Don’t be surprised that most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, it doesn’t quite work that way.
A few of the larger companies and the discounts they provide are included below.
If you need lower rates, check with every company which credits you are entitled to. Some credits may not apply to policyholders in every state. If you would like to view companies with the best discounts, click this link.
Part of the auto insurance buying process is learning some of the things that go into determining your policy premiums. If you have some idea of what determines premiums, this allows you to make good choices that can help you get better auto insurance rates. Lots of factors are part of the calculation when you get a price on insurance. Some factors are common sense such as your driving record, but some are not as apparent like your continuous coverage or your financial responsibility.
When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. These are some specific questions can help discover whether you might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.
Learning about specific coverages of your insurance policy helps when choosing which coverages you need at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be ambiguous and coverage can change by endorsement. Below you’ll find the normal coverages available from insurance companies.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision) – Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. A deductible will apply and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive can pay for things like damage from flooding, damage from getting keyed, hitting a bird and vandalism. The most a insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance – Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. It can pay for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your BMW 5 Series.
Because many people have only the minimum liability required by law, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked.
Insurance for medical payments – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for immediate expenses such as chiropractic care, EMT expenses and rehabilitation expenses. They are used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. They cover you and your occupants in addition to any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is only offered in select states and may carry a deductible
Collision coverage – Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. A deductible applies then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision can pay for things such as sideswiping another vehicle, hitting a parking meter and colliding with a tree. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to bump up the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
Liability – This provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property in an accident. It protects you from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 that means you have $25,000 bodily injury coverage, $50,000 for the entire accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability insurance covers things such as structural damage, bail bonds and court costs. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as large an amount as possible.
When getting auto insurance quotes online, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best cost, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
A few companies do not offer price quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell coverage through independent agencies. Discount 2008 BMW 5 Series insurance can be found both online in addition to local insurance agencies, so you need to compare both in order to have the best price selection to choose from.
Much more information about car insurance can be read at the links below
Stuart Carr
If you have a good history and live around Wilmington, DE, check out 21st Century. You might save some money. Bought it from an online quote.
Ivey Poole
I found cheap 2008 BMW 5 Series insurance in Gulfport, Mississippi with Progressive.
Merissa Myers
I switched to Allstate. Quoted good rates in Charleston, WV. Thankfully I have a good driving record.
Delbert Griffith
Thanks for putting this site together. Proud to be from Great Falls, Montana. I quoted with Progressive, GMAC, and Esurance for my 5 Series and saved just over $170 a year. Left Farmers to switch. They have a lot of discounts available. I got prices on the web.
Angeles Molina
Just a quick comment on my experience. I live on the south side of Evansville, Indiana. Received quotes from State Farm, GMAC, and Esurance for my 2008 BMW 5 Series and saved $217 a year. It’s still not cheap enough.
Rickie Wade
I live on the east side of Reno, NV. I got free rates from Western Auto Insurance, AIG Insurance, Liberty Mutual, and Mercury for my 5 Series and saved $400 a year. Bought it from an online quote.
Tyree Gallagher
From Allentown, PA. Quoted prices online for a 2008 BMW 5 Series. Ended up at about $530 savings annually. Went with Allstate. Left AAA to switch. I increased coverages a little too.
Tisha Ashley
Will Progressive cancel if I have a claim?
Idella Delgado
Located in Provo, Utah, and 21st Century rates were best. Insured with Travelers before.
Germaine Lee
Corporate greed I’m telling you. Got a quote with Mercury for my 2008 BMW 5 Series and cut my rates about $220 a year. Insured with Nationwide before. You can get a rate quote online.
Alfred Brewer
Great info, thanks for posting. From Omaha, NE. Quoted quotes from AAA, Encompass, and Safeco for my BMW and I think I saved around $40 each month. I have a couple other vehicles on the policy. Not sure if rates are cheaper online or not.
Nana Bradford
Live in Missoula, Montana. Got car insurance prices from 21st Century, AIG Insurance, and some I forget for my 2008 BMW 5 Series and cut my rates about $450 a year. I’m a pretty low risk driver. Online quotes are the way to go.
Marguerite Calderon
Liked the article. Live in the southern part of Providence, RI. Received prices from State Farm, Amica, and some I forget for my 5 Series and I’m now saving $26 a month. Ask about discounts. Wish I didn’t have to insure at all.