There are millions of cars and trucks out there on the road, and the vast majority have one thing in common. No, not wheels — although that is true! What they have in common is insurance. Almost every vehicle is insured. It’s mandated by law. So when you need insurance, use these tips to get the best deal.
When considering insurance for a young driver, it is wise to not purchase an expensive car. Rates are high enough for teenagers, they will skyrocket depending on the type and worth of a car. In this situation, safety is one of the highest factors effecting insurance costs.
To keep your insurance claim going smoothly, you should start a notebook with details as soon as you make the claim. The first thing you will get is a claim number and everyone involved will be asking for that. Documenting every contact, conversation and promise will help you negotiate your settlement later.
It’s important, if you’re looking to get the most out of your auto insurance dollars, to continue to evaluate whether you’re paying too much in terms of the number of drivers you need to cover. For example, if you’re still carrying auto insurance for your children who are grown and in college who don’t use your car, then take them off the policy and your rates will go down nicely.
Including a small tool bag in your vehicle is one of the best insurance policies you can have when you travel. Most of us aren’t capable of completing major repairs on our own but we can fix small things. Take along a pair of vice grips, a roll of duct tape, a roll of electrical tape, an interchangeable tip screwdriver, a few fuses and a can of fix-a-flat.
When you are shopping for auto insurance for your teenage driver, get quotes for both adding him or her to your insurance and for buying a separate insurance policy. In general it will be cheaper to add a new driver to your current insurance, but there may be circumstances when it is less expensive to buy a separate policy.
Ask your insurance agent if your age can get you any discounts. Studies have shown that, much like fine wine, drivers tend to get better with age. Your insurance company may offer you a discount for being a long-term driver, giving you a discount each time you pass the age milestones they have set.
Find out all of the available discounts that your insurance provider offers. There may be some discounts available that you did not know about when you opened your policy. You may have to take a driver’s course of some kind but it will increase your driving skills and reduce your premiums.
When it is possible to do so, try not drive your car. In many states, the premium amount is based on how many miles you drive each year. If you do end up driving less, make sure to call and let the insurance know so that they can lower our premium rate.
When purchasing car insurance, do not get unnecessary add-ons. Things like Motor Club, Travel Club, and Accidental Death Insurance are rarely used and just end up costing you more money each year. Instead, stick with things you will use, such as collision coverage, liability and property damage, and bodily injury coverage.
Insurance is something you need so that you don’t get a ticket and lose your license, of course. But you also need it to protect you financially should you cause or be involved in an accident. Make sure you apply the tips you’ve learned above so that you can save on your next policy.
