Auto Insurance Quote Comparison Guide
Whenever you’re looking at getting new auto insurance, there are a few things you should know before you make a decision on an insurer. This comparison guide will help you make sure that you know how to get the best deal for you.
Be aware of state minimums for auto insurance. Use these minimums to guide your decision about how much coverage you’re going to get. Obviously, you’ll need the minimum or better (we recommend better in most situations).
Figure out how much insurance you actually need. Make sure to look at the ratio of deductible to premium. If you can afford a bigger deductible, you’ll get a better deal on your premium. If you work this out right, you can save a lot of money by edging your deductible up and pulling your premium down at a greater ratio.
Look for discounts. Most insurance companies have a wide variety of discounts ranging from safe driver discounts to good student discounts to accident forgiveness and “vanishing deductible.” A good insurance agent can help you maximize your discount value.
Add in extras. Most insurers will offer add-ons like roadside assistance, towing, and other additions. These provide value and can tip the scales in favor of one insurer or another.
Choose a stable, quality auto insurer. There are sites out there that have auto insurance reviews that will let you know how customers like you feel about the insurance company in question. It’s also a good idea to check the financial ratings of the insurance company you’re considering.
Don’t get a quote from just one insurance company. Get quotes from a wide variety of insurers, both online and from agents.
Once you get the quotes, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Make sure each of the prices you’re getting is for the same deductible and coverage limits. Otherwise, the comparison is worthless.
Know what you’re signing. Most insurance companies won’t try to change the contract from the terms you’ve negotiated, but it’s still a good idea to read the fine print. At the very least, it will give you a better idea of your rights and privileges as the insured. If you come across anything that doesn’t make sense, don’t be afraid to ask your insurance company for clarification. They want your business; they’ll help you out.
Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have done yourself a huge favor by getting the best available insurance for the best available price.