When you’re shopping for the best car insurance, you’ve got several options to weigh. First, figure out what you really need: are you trying to protect yourself from major financial hits after an accident, or do you just need basic coverage to legally drive to work? Here’s something that trips people up: if you’re just the driver of someone else’s car, your insurance company protects you and other drivers on the road. But if you own the car, you’re looking at completely different coverage needs.
The bare-bones coverage usually comes from the most basic best car insurance plans out there. These might cover bodily injury OR property damage, but not both. Depending on what you get, you could end up with liability-only coverage or a policy that actually covers both bodily injury and property damage liability. Sure, this is the cheapest option insurance companies offer, but honestly, it’s probably the coverage you’ll rely on most.
To find the cheapest car insurance quotes, you’ve got to shop around. Call up different insurers and ask what discounts they actually offer for various situations. Here’s the catch: many insurers only give discounts if the incident wasn’t your fault. This might include having an anti-theft device or car alarm installed. If your driving record is spotless, you’ll probably score the lowest rates on this type of policy.
Don’t forget to ask about customer service quality. If your provider gives you the runaround when you file a claim or takes forever to respond when you call, maybe it’s time to switch companies. I’ve seen auto claims satisfaction scorecards that show exactly what percentage of customers are happy with their provider’s service. If your insurer has terrible customer service ratings or their agents seem clueless about their own products, run.
Beyond basic coverage, there are two other policy types worth considering. First is your deductible, which is what you pay out of pocket before your insurer kicks in for damages. Second are total cost coverages, which include your deductible plus all those other protections I mentioned. Both matter big time when you’re deciding what works for you. Your budget will probably be the biggest factor in choosing between these deductible options.
The second policy type gives you some nice perks: accident forgiveness and personal injury protection. Accident forgiveness covers a chunk of your medical bills in exchange for a deductible. Personal injury protection handles your lost wages and medical costs from any accident you’re in, no matter who caused it. These can be lifesavers when you’re dealing with the sudden income loss that comes with a serious accident. Problem is, not every insurance company offers them, so you’ll need to hunt around.
Before you start shopping for car coverage, know exactly what you need. Too many people only think about collision coverage. While that can work in some situations, it’s usually not the smart choice for people who drive regularly, like truck drivers. You should look at both comprehensive and collision coverage since they protect you in totally different scenarios.
There are definitely ways to cut your premiums without sacrificing good coverage. For example, buying an older car that’s been well-maintained, won’t generate many claims, and has low mileage can save you hundreds every year. You can also reduce premiums by taking an advanced driver safety course, using your brakes properly, and keeping a clean driving record. Stay accident-free with no speeding tickets, and you’ll save real money on premiums. If you’re a good customer who follows all these tips, you should find a policy that fits your needs and comes with decent customer service.