ComputerHunter.org

 

10 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance


Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40%!

Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town.

However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value.

It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25%. However, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks.

Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates.

Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high).

Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time.

Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans.

Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen.

Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.







Google News - Top Stories

Vancouver Sun

Can McCain Change the Game?
Washington Post - 1 hour ago
By Dana Milbank NASHVILLE -- It did not go unnoticed by middle Tennesseans that the last time there was any significant rainfall in this town was 32 days ago, but on the day Barack Obama and John McCain visited this city for their second presidential ...
Debate day reading list for the second Obama/McCain verbal battle Los Angeles Times
Debate Round Two: It Just Might Get Nasty ABC News
Newsday - USA Today - FOXNews - CNN
all 1,534 news articles


Christian Science Monitor

Fed's new tool: Business loan bailout
CNNMoney.com - 2 hours ago
By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Federal Reserve announced a new program to help the battered market for short-term business loans - taking its closest step yet to lending directly to businesses.
Video: Stocks Fluctuate After Fed Corporate Debt Plan AssociatedPress
Fear-stricken markets ignore Fed's steps to bolster corporations The Miami Herald
MarketWatch - International Herald Tribune - BusinessWeek - Reuters
all 2,816 news articles


AFP

Judge orders 17 Chinese Muslims released from Guantanamo Bay
Los Angeles Times - 2 hours ago
US District Judge Ricardo Urbina will decide where in the US the men can be released. Most had been cleared of wrongdoing four years ago.
Judge Orders Release of Chinese Muslims Into US Washington Post
Judge orders release of Chinese-born detainees The Miami Herald
New York Times - Bloomberg - AFP - BBC News
all 698 news articles


CBS News

Non-Profit Raided In Voter Fraud Probe
CBS News - 48 minutes ago
ACORN workers Carlos McCoy and Charmaine Davis try to register voters Sept. 1, 2006, outside the Franklin County Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio.
ACORN office in Vegas raided in voter-fraud probe San Jose Mercury News
ACORN office raided in Las Vegas in voter-fraud probe USA Today
Washington Post - Atlanta Journal Constitution - Nevada Appeal - The Associated Press
all 163 news articles


The Age

Australia Probes Qantas Jet Altitude Loss, Emergency Landing
Bloomberg - 57 minutes ago
By Ed Johnson Oct. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Australia's transport safety watchdog is investigating what caused a Qantas Airways Ltd. flight from Singapore to suddenly lose altitude, injuring about 30 people and forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.
Dozens hurt as Qantas jet drops Sydney Morning Herald
Qantas Involved in Another Air Incident New York Times
Scotsman - ABC Online - ABC Regional Online - The Standard
all 412 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base