Choosing the right car insurance can be a lengthy process. Comparing all your options, reading the fine print, choosing the right type of coverage and the right insurer – it all takes time. To help you find the best car insurance for your needs – at the right price – I’ve put together the following easy steps.
Compare Your Options
One of the most important things you can do when looking for car insurance is to compare your options. This may sound tedious, but it’s the best way to find the right policy at the lowest possible price. Use a comparison site to narrow your options, read the fine print, and ask questions if you need more information.
Get a Discount
If you already have another type of insurance, such as homeowners insurance, it could be a good idea to check whether your provider also offers car insurance. By choosing the same provider, you may benefit from a discount on your car insurance. Don’t forget to ask what other discounts might be available – good driver discount, good student discount, defensive driving discount, etc.
Choose Your Deductible
If you want to save money on your premiums, you may want to adjust your deductible. Choosing a policy with a higher deductible will reduce the amount you pay in premiums, whereas a lower deductible usually means higher premiums. Think about the likelihood of having to make a claim, and how much you could afford to pay as a deductible.
Choose the Right Coverage
There are various options to choose from when purchasing car insurance. The three most basic cover options are:
Liability: This is the cheapest option because it offers the lowest amount of coverage. Liability covers damage to the other person’s vehicle and injuries, but it does not cover your vehicle or injuries.
Collision: This is the mid-range option, offering coverage for your vehicle in an accident.
Comprehensive: Includes damage caused by something other than a collision like vandalism or hail. There are usually many additional extras to choosing this option, and while it is the most costly option, it can save you a lot of money in the long run if you need to make a claim.
Ask the Right Questions
Before you apply for car insurance, decide which of the following extras you need, and find a policy that offers them.
- Sufficient Coverage: Does the policy offer you all the cover you need?
- Changing the Locks: If your keys are lost or stolen, does the policy cover the cost of getting the locks or keys changed?
- Rental Car: Does the policy offer you the use of a rental car while your car is being repaired?
- Choice of Auto Repair Shop: Does the policy allow you to choose your own auto repair shop?
- No Claim Bonus Protection: Does the policy offer protection for your no claims bonus?
- Temporary Accommodations: Does the policy offer temporary accommodations if your car is damaged in an accident away from home?
- Coverage for Personal Items: Does the policy cover loss or damage to personal items inside your vehicle?
- Coverage for Malicious Damage: Does the policy cover against malicious damage to your vehicle?
- Coverage for your Trailer: Does the policy cover your trailer?
- Coverage for Towing: Does the policy cover towing and transportation costs?
- New Vehicle Replacement: Does the policy offer a new vehicle replacement if your vehicle is written off?
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Image courtesy of suphakit73, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Nice article and advises. But I don’t understand what is New Vehicle Replacement. As far as I know you don’t get a new car if your 10 year old clunker gets totaled. If that was the way, many people would torch their cars and claim that it is stolen so that they can get a new car as a replacement.