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How Your Coverage Needs Determine Which Insurance Company to Chose

By Brad | Published: October 3, 2013

Auto insurance is a driving expense that many of today vehicle owners have to deal with. Picking the cheapest auto insurance company involves the consideration of several factors, including which types of companies you prefer doing business with, the price of each competing provider policy, and which types of discounts they have available. However, in their search to find the cheapest auto insurance companies, one thing that not everyone considers is what specific kind of coverage they need.

How much coverage can you afford?

The first step in determining what type of coverage you need is how much you can afford. The point of auto insurance is to make sure that you pay as little out of pocket as possible after an accident, so the more that you can afford to pay for your monthly insurance premium, the lower your deductible will be. Think about your income as well as other financial responsibilities that you have to determine how much you can afford to pay for your coverage, which will have a direct impact on the type of insurance provider that you choose.

Comparing the types of coverage available

Most auto liability insurance policies have three types of coverage: bodily injury coverage for a single person, bodily injury coverage for everyone involved in an accident, and property damage coverage for property affected by your accident. Kelley Blue Book advises drivers to remember what minimums their state has for the different kinds of coverage available, and to also consider the fact that if they are in an accident where they are at fault and their coverage does not cover all of the other person’s medical bills, most likely the other party will attempt to sue the driver in question for the difference. Situations like this could lead to a more expensive scenario than you would have had if you opted for more coverage.

Considering your driving habits

The type of coverage that you need will also be greatly impacted by your driving habits. In turn, these driving habits are often dictated by what type of driver you are. For example, statistics show that women are more cautious on the road, and as a result pay less for car insurance. Terence Loose at Yahoo! writes that men are involved in more accidents and tend to be more aggressive while driving, especially men under the age of 25. For this reason, if you are a female and are cautious about your driving you might be fine with a lower amount of coverage. There are also ways that females can get cheaper auto insurance without lowering the amount of coverage that they get, such as comparing quotes and asking for additional discounts.

Think about where you drive

Many minor accidents like dents and scratches occur in larger, urban areas. Because of this, if you are a driver in a big city, you should consider increasing your collision coverage as well as your comprehensive coverage, which protects from accidental damage to your vehicle where there might not be anyone at fault. Also, if you are a college student that only drives your vehicle in your town when you are not at school, you might be able to lower the amount of coverage that you need because you are not driving your car all year. Other tips on auto insurance discounts for college students will help you maintain as broad of a policy as possible while keeping the costs of your insurance policy down.

Another important factor that pertains to where you drive is where you park. Parking on the street means you may be vulnerable to someone hitting your car while you are away or asleep. Your parked vehicle may also be susceptible to vandalism. On the other hand, if you have access to an off-street lot or a garage, your car will be safer and you may not need as much comprehensive coverage for these types of situations.

Choosing cheap auto insurance is vital if you want to keep yourself in good shape financially, but make sure that you do not forget about the actual coverage that your policy provides. The type of coverage you need depends on what sort of driving you do, where you live, and how much you can afford. Companies like State Farm and esurance provide helpful online resources to help you choose an auto insurance policy, but the ultimate decision should be yours so that you can find the balance of coverage and cost that works for your situation.

10 Tips to Know When to Switch Your Current Car Insurance Company

By Brad | Published: October 3, 2013

Having car insurance is a great feeling. It allows you to drive knowing that you are protected in case of an accident and do not have to stress about paying the entire cost of the accident out of pocket. Many drivers look for the cheapest auto insurance company that they can find, but there may come a time when they need to change providers for one reason or another. Here are ten factors that might cause you to decide to switch your auto insurance provider:

A better deal. many people decide to switch providers simply because there is another company out there that offers them a better price. If you are confident in the services that the new company provides, go ahead and make the switch to the new company.

· Better customer service: If you have been dealt with in a rude or inattentive way, it might be worth it to switch to a new provider. The cheapest auto insurance companies do not always have the best customer service.

A rate hike for a new driver. some companies handle new drivers being added to an insurance policy better than others, especially young drivers. Keep in mind the principles of finding cheap auto insurance companies for young drivers to make finding a cheap auto insurance company for a new driver less difficult. Most major insurers offer discounts young drivers can capitalize on, such as State Farm’s Good Student discount.

Getting married. in many cases, married couples that have the same insurance provider will get a better deal on auto insurance. If your husband or wife’s provider can offer you a better quote for the insurance you need, it might make sense to switch insurance companies. If you are a female getting married, make sure you capitalize on other opportunities for auto insurance discounts for women .

Lack of discounts for safe driving. a good car insurance company should offer you a break in your car insurance rate if you show a record of safe driving over a certain time frame. Other companies, like Progressive, allow you to have your driving monitored so that you can get discounts based on the way that you drive.

A cumbersome claims process. you want your car insurance company to deal with your claim promptly and effectively. If your auto insurance provider takes too much time to process your claim or your claim is constantly being bounced around to different representatives, it might be time to switch insurance providers

Moving to a new location. if you have changed residences and your old insurance company does not offer coverage in your new town or city, you will have to switch to a new insurance company. About.com suggests getting a referral from an agent in your old area or talking with your new neighbors to find auto insurance.

Buying a new car. when you change vehicles, it will also bring about a change in your car insurance premium. Some insurance providers might be able to give you a better deal on a new car insurance policy than others, so it is a good idea to shop around after buying a new car to see if any other companies can give you a more competitive insurance price on your new vehicle.

Changes to other insurance policies. if you have recently purchased a different type of insurance policy such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may be eligible for greater discounting if you get your auto insurance policy from the same company. Inquire with your provider to determine what kind of discounts you can get on your auto insurance.

Getting a traffic ticket. if you have gotten a ticket for a traffic violation, most insurance companies will raise your premium. However, some auto insurance providers care more than others about particular infractions. If you are unhappy with a rise in your rate after a ticket, see if you can get a better deal by switching to a new provider

Auto insurance is a complex type of coverage that can change based on many factors. If you have experienced any of the ten situations above, it is in your best interest to at least see what other options you have for cheap auto insurance. You must do what you can to find an insurance provider that can give you a competitive rate as well as the service that you need to drive confidently.

When is the Best Time to Compare Rates from Auto Insurance Companies?

By Brad | Published: October 3, 2013

You cannot watch TV these days without seeing commercials from insurance companies like Geico, State Farm and All State to name a few. The commercials have different company mascots and spokespeople pointing out their finer qualities, and telling you how much money you can save by switching to their company. With so many commercials vying for your attention, it can be hard to decipher which insurance company is the best fit for you, or why you need to leave your insurance provider in the first place. There are a number of reasons why you may have to shop around for a new car insurance policy.

Here are a few to consider:

Buying A New Car

Shopping around for a new car can be a lot of fun. You will get to test drive a lot of different vehicles, and possibly drive home in one. You may find the car of your dreams, but you may not have taken the price of insurance into account. It is not unheard of for insurance companies to charge higher rates for certain makes and models. You may be thrilled about your new car, but you may not be with your new rates.  One thing every car insurance company has in common is how they offer quotes. A visit to any major insurance company website will advertise a free quote on its front page. One bit of information they need from you is the make and model of your car. These quotes will help you better determine who is the best company to insure your new car.

Adding A Family Member To Your New Policy

If you just got recently married, or you have a child who just got their driver license, you will probably want to add them to your policy. The problem is some insurance companies will charge you considerably more to add new drivers. This can be problematic, especially if your teenage son or daughter doesn drive very often.

Some car insurance companies, like State Farm and Geico, will offer discounts for young drivers. If they get good grades in school, they will get a discount. Some companies will also offer a discount if they take a drivers education course. Doing some shopping around will help you figure out what insurance companies are young driver friendly, or have reasonable rates for multiple drivers. Doing so can save you a lot of money for years to come.

Adding New Insurance

It is not uncommon these days for car insurance companies to offer different types of insurance. The good news is a lot of companies, like Progressive, offer discounts for people looking to bundle their insurance. If you have other vehicles like a motorcycle or boat, then they can add that to your existing policy. The same goes for home owners or renters insurance. Some companies may offer better deals, and it would be wise to look at what every individual company offers, and whether it has what you need at an affordable rate.

If You Are Moving

Some car insurance companies  will charge you more or less money if you move to a different neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have a higher crime rate, and therefore they may deem your policy more of a liability. This may cause your rates to increase. Moving is a big enough hassle as it is, and you don need one more thing to worry about. A quick quote from different insurance companies can give you an idea how much you will pay based on location. You may save more with a different company.

It does not take much for the average consumer to lose faith in their insurance company. Despite their claims of being there when you need them the most, they aren always looking out for your best interests. This may be reason enough to start comparing insurance rates. There are a lot of insurance companies on the market, and they all come with their own unique features that may or may not benefit you.

Doing some research, and finding out which company is best for you is a wise investment. Next time you are in the market for new insurance, make sure you compare rates with different companies, so you can make an informed decision. Youll be glad you did.

10 Smartest Ways to Get Lowest Rates from Auto Insurance Companies

By Brad | Published: October 3, 2013

For many people, getting the cheapest auto insurance that they can is crucial so that they can keep their monthly expenses down and enjoy the privilege of driving without an excessively large financial burden. Paying for expensive auto insurance can be a challenge, especially in the context of all of the other costs that vehicles come with.

To prevent your insurance bill from getting too high, follow these ten steps to keep your auto insurance premiums down:

1. Think about your coverage needs. Often, circumstances occur in life that cause a change in the amount of car insurance that a driver might need. For example, if you have moved to a place where you drive less, you might be able to lower your comprehensive or collision coverage to reduce your premium.
2. Shop around for other quotes. If you do not know what kind of rates other insurance providers are offering, you will not know for sure whether or not you can get a better price. The best car insurance companies will usually offer to provide you a free quote online or over the phone. Bankrate.com advises you to offer as much information as possible and remember that it is possible for a quote to be different than the actual amount you are charged by a provider.
3. Consolidate your insurance policies. if you have other types of insurance such as homeowner’s insurance or life insurance with different companies, reach out to each provider and have them quote you on an auto insurance policy. See which one can give you the most competitive rate.
4. Do not switch insurance often. most of the major auto insurance providers like Allstate and Liberty Mutual offer discounts for customers that renew their policy often. If you are getting a fair price and you are happy with the service you receive from your provider, stick with them so that you can enjoy these loyalty benefits
5. Drive safely. one of the biggest factors in determining your auto insurance rate is your driving habits. Many insurers reward customers for actions like staying within the speed limit and not driving late at night. A good example is Progressive’s Snapshot discount program, which allows drivers to have their driving habits monitored by a device plugged into their car so that they can reduce their rate.
6. Get good grades. drivers in high school can get discounts from most insurance companies if they perform well in school. If you are shopping for auto insurance for a new driver, there are other steps you can take to get cheap car insurance for young drivers in particular.
7. Pay in full. although it is not financially feasible for everyone, if you can afford to pay off your entire premium in a single payment you will most likely get a better deal on your auto insurance.
8. Get a safer vehicle: if you are thinking about a new car and want to keep your auto insurance rates down, choose the safest automobile that you can. Look for modern safety features like sophisticated airbags and automatic seat-belts that will help make your ride safer.
9. Drive less: if you can, try to minimize the amount of driving that you have to do. Take public transportation as much as you can, and walk to places that are close. Consider riding a bicycle sometimes instead of driving everywhere: cycling is great for fitness and reducing your impact on the environment.
10. If you are attending college, try to leave your vehicle at home: you may not be allowed to park on-campus anyway. This is one of the easiest ways to get cheap auto insurance for college students. Park somewhere safe: always try to park in a garage or off-street lot instead of on the street. This will help you reduce the risk of having your car stolen or vandalized, especially in a big city. The safer you keep your car when it is parked, the lower your insurance rates will be.

There are numerous ways that you can lower your car insurance payments if you are well-informed and proactive about your policy. Paying for car insurance may seem like an expensive burden, but taking steps to reduce your auto insurance costs can help alleviate some of the financial strain. Do your research and think about individual discounts that apply to you so that you can get the cheapest auto insurance that you can.

How to Discover Car Insurance Discounts you Never Knew Existed?

By Brad | Published: October 2, 2013

People that are shopping for car insurance often base their decision on the price of their policy. You have already received some general advice about comparing auto insurance companies to find the cheapest auto insurance companies for your budget and driving needs. One of the keys to keeping your insurance costs down is making sure that you are getting as many discounts as possible. However, there may be some discounts that you did not even realize were available to you. There are several important concepts about discounting to consider if you want to maximize the value that you receive from your auto insurance company.

Who Discounts The Most?

In an article from earlier this year. Susanna Kim at ABC News analyzed a comparison of ten of the major insurance companies including Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and GEICO and found that Farmers Insurance offered the largest number of discounts. It was also found that many of the big auto insurance companies provide discounts for similar reasons. For example, eight out of the ten companies studied were shown to provide discounts for paperless billing. It is also fairly standard practice for insurance providers to offer discounts to their customers that have more than one type of policy with them. These discounts help large insurance companies secure business and maximize the profits that their individual customers bring to them.

Common Types Of Discounts

Since insurance companies are essentially taking a risk on the safety of a particular driver, almost all insurance companies offer discounts for drivers that have a good driving record. The longer you drive without any incidents, the better chance you have of being able to get a discount on your car insurance policy. Insurance companies will also penalize you for traffic infractions like speeding or reckless driving, so avoiding these charges will help keep your rates down. Other types of discounts that are offered by many insurance companies are discounts on auto insurance for young drivers that make good grades in school or are participating in certain groups in their community that show good character off the road, as well as military discounts for members of the armed forces. Some insurance businesses provide discounts for occupational groups besides just the military, such as teachers or others that work for the state or federal government.

Uncommon Auto Insurance Discounts

There are some types of discounts that not many drivers today are aware of. In some cases, insurance companies do not publicize these options so that they can maintain higher profit margins on the insurance policies that they sell. For example, did you know that you can get discounts for things like:

· Being engaged to be married within the next 12 months: married couples usually get better discounting on insurance, but even if you are not actually married, you can still reap the benefits of family insurance discounts. Women in particular may also be eligible for certain auto insurance discounts available for females

Switching early: certain large insurance companies will discount your policy if you get a quote and decide to switch within a certain amount of time of your existing policy expiring. This is a good discount to take advantage of if you are certain that you want to change insurance providers

• · Having a green vehicle: if you have a hybrid car or one that takes an alternative fuel, you may be entitled to get additional discounts on your insurance policy

The best way to find out about the discounts that you may be eligible for is to talk to your insurance provider and ask them what factors they base their discounting on, as each company discounts differently. A good example of this is State Farm’s “Discount Double-check” program, which allows you to have a representative from the company check to make sure that you are getting all of the benefits that you qualify for.

Saving money on car insurance is an important concept to think about in today’s economy, when drivers feel the cost of driving a vehicle more than ever before. To make sure that you are working with the cheapest auto insurance company that you can, finding discounts is very important. Be sure to consider all avenues available to find the best price on car insurance so that you can get the auto insurance coverage that you need without paying more than you have to.

What Are the Main Factors to Look For in Auto Insurance Companies

By Brad | Published: October 2, 2013

Choosing a car insurance company is one of the most important decisions that drivers can make. You must be certain that you choose insurance that covers you properly based on your vehicle and driving habits, but you also want to have a reputable insurance company. In an earlier article, you learned how to identify the cheapest car insurance companies that offer the most competitively priced services. But what other factors should you consider to find a reputable insurance provider that you can trust to give you the kind of service that you need?

Customer Satisfaction

The best way to determine whether or not you will be happy as a customer of a particular insurance company is to find out what their current customers think. There are numerous resources available that help rate popular insurance companies, such as MSN 2013 survey of customer satisfaction amongst insurance providers. These large surveys will provide a broad picture of some of the more popular insurance providers.

Another way to find out about insurance companies is to talk to drivers that you trust. Ask around at school or work and see what people say about choosing an insurance company. They will be more than happy to give you firsthand stories of having success with their insurance company or troubles that they have experienced with them.

User Interaction

Think about what type of systems you would like to use to check on your insurance policy. Although some of the large providers like Allstate and other big companies might not be able to give you the individualized customer service that smaller insurance providers do, they will be able to provide you with the technological benefits of 21st century auto insurance such as being able to check your policy online or use apps that will work on a smartphone or tablet. In most cases, these companies will also have longer service hours, meaning it is easier to reach people on the phone when you have a question about your policy or need to report an accident.

Working With An Agent

Another important thing to think about is whether or not you would like to deal with an insurance agent. While some insurance companies have moved away from working with agents, many others support agents all across the country because they allow representatives of a large company to interact on a personal level with customers. Also, an agent can help you with specific auto insurance needs that you have. For example, an agent will be able to help you choose a policy that works for you based on your driving profile, such as providing you advice on how to pick a policy if you are a college student that will spend some time away from home for parts of the year. Some people value the personal interaction that they have with an agent that is based in their neighborhood, so consider whether or not this is an important aspect of your insurance provider when choosing a company to work with.

Discount Opportunities For Drivers

Although tips on saving money on your car insurance have been covered in other posts, each insurance provider has their own unique way of actually providing customers with discounts so they have a chance to be the cheapest car insurance company available to you. For example, Progressive offers its Snapshot discount program, where you can choose to plug a monitoring device into your car that records driving practices such as how often you brake quickly, how far you drive, and how often you drive late at night. Based on these factors, you get a personalized discount rate that can save you money if you practice good driving habits. Nationwide auto insurance offers a “Vanishing Deductible” program that allows drivers to shave $100 off their deductible for every year of safe driving, up to a $500 credit.

Other car insurance companies provide discounts for good habits away from the road. For example, some companies will give discounts to high school and college students that get good grades, or are affiliated with certain civic groups. You can learn more about these discounts in articles to help young drivers choose insurance. When you are thinking about your insurance company, make sure to consider their unique discount opportunities so that you can choose a provider that gives you the chance to minimize your monthly car insurance bill.

No matter how long you have been driving, picking a car insurance company can be challenging. While many drivers shop only based on cost, there is more to choosing a car insurance provider than finding the cheapest car insurance company. Do your research so that you can choose a provider that not only gives you a fair rate, but also offers all of the traits you desire from your automobile insurance company.

Cheap Auto Insurance For Women

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