Reader’s Question:

I am about to get my auto insurance for the very first time. What important thing should I know?

Anne

Little Rock, AR

Getting your auto insurance for the first time can be quite confusing. So to make sure you’re shopping the wiser way, follow these simple tips:

• You may want to consider increasing your deductible if you wanna save on your auto insurence. However, before doing that you must carefully decide how much of your insurance claims you are willing to personally shoulder.
• Submit proof of documentation to you insurance provider that you have completed a driver’s education program, if you have. If not, then enrolled in one. This can help you lower your insurance rates too.
• If you are still studying and you’re between 17 to 24 years old, you can get insurence discount if you get a B average.
• Stay away from high performance cars. These kinds of vehicle will surely give you higher insurance rates. You may want to consider getting cars that are not that expensive at all.
• Ask about insurance discounts from your insurance provider. For instance, if you will be insuring more than one vehicle, you can get discount for that. Moreover, if you do not drink or smoke you may qualify for a discount too.
• Lastly, shop, shop, and shop for auto insurance quotes. Remember, getting several insurance quotes could mean getting the best insurance deal you can find. For your auto insurance quotes needs use the Internet.

Now that you know those things, you may want to start getting your auto insurance quotes now. And I do hope you would get the best insurance deal.

Reader’s Question:

What do I have to know before I shop for car insurence?

Miranda

Fontana, CA

Let us face it. Car insurance is not all cut and dried as companies like us to think. They have complicated clauses and even more complex ways to target the best price possible since the lower the better, right? It is better said than done. After all, the insurance jargon is already so hard to comprehend. Let us not forget the constant need for these companies to increase by using all those mandates supposedly approved by the state legislation. Just remember the tips below so as to get all you want and more for car insurance.

Know how much coverage you really need. Make sure that you are aware of the rise in repair shops’ rates and medical facilities. It is not advisable to just stick with the limit that is legal in your state. For example, you live in Arizona and the legal limit for bodily injury is $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident and for property damage is only $10,000. If we look at it from a realistic point of view, would $15,000 pay for hospital bills if the other person is in intensive care? Or could $10,000 pay for a Lincoln Navigator that was totaled? Having excess works. There is just a little difference between the lowest limit to the next one on the tier. Peace of mind cannot be purchased.

Calculate how much you can afford to pay for auto insurance every month. Set aside a budget so that once your policy has been activated, it will not be in danger of cancellation due to non-payment. Cancelled policies on your record will reflect and will cause your insurance premium to go up.

Decide if you want a local agent dealing with your insurance policy or if you would rather go with online agents. A lot of consumers prefer dealing with those that are in their vicinity since familiarity builds trust. However, these agents are only available Mondays to Fridays. Online agents are available 24/7.

Verify the companies. Check the current rating of the companies that you are interested in. All vehicle insurence companies gets rated. Check if the company is capable of pay outs and is financially solvent. Pay attention to the experience of other people. There are forums online that will give you an in depth look at how companies treat their customers. You can also ask your friends and neighbors for their input.

Do shop quotes online. They are cheaper and faster than waiting for a live agent. Although, if you have questions about the company or you want some clarifications, the quote screen can only provide you so much. If you have the time, Contact a sales agent. They can answer your questions and also run a quote for you.

You can never go wrong by following these tips. True, they may be time consuming but it is your money and you would not want to waste in on a car insurence company that will cause you more heartache and frustration in the long run.