Have you fallen victim to an underperforming, overpriced car insurance policy? Don’t feel bad because you are not the only one feeling buyer’s remorse.
With so many choices, it can be diffult for people to locate the cheapest company.
The easiest way to compare rates is to know the fact all the major auto insurance companies participate in a system to give you rate quotes. All consumers are required to do is provide details like whether you are single or married, how you use your vehicles, if the vehicle is leased, and how much school you completed. That rating information is instantly sent to many different companies and they provide comparison quotes instantly.
Some companies do not list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so the list below details a few of the more well known and the harder-to-find credits that may apply to you.
Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you aren’t that lucky. But any discount should help lower your policy cost.
If you would like to see a list of auto insurance companies that offer multiple discounts, click here to view.
When buying proper insurance coverage, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions may help you determine if your situation might need professional guidance.
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.
Understanding the coverages of auto insurance aids in choosing appropriate coverage at the best deductibles and correct limits. Auto insurance terms can be difficult to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. These are the usual coverages found on the average auto insurance policy.
Liability coverage
This provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people by causing an accident. This insurance protects YOU against other people’s claims. Liability doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.
Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and property damage coverage for $25,000. Alternatively, you may have a combined limit which limits claims to one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability coverage protects against things such as medical expenses, emergency aid, bail bonds, structural damage and pain and suffering. How much coverage you buy is your choice, but buy as large an amount as possible.
Collision protection
This covers damage to your Spark caused by collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as crashing into a ditch, scraping a guard rail and driving through your garage door. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. It’s also possible to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and also any damage incurred to your Chevy Spark.
Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Frequently the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liablity limits.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)
This coverage covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims such as a broken windshield, vandalism and rock chips in glass. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Insurance for medical payments
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for immediate expenses like dental work, surgery and rehabilitation expenses. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants and also covers being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay