With every year that passes by, the cost of owning a car increases astronomically. From unstable gas prices to the high cost of running and maintaining vehicle parts, it is imperative that car owners begin to look for other ways to cut car-related expenses. There is no better place to start than paying more attention to car insurance. It is no news that drivers must always carry a car insurance cover at all times. This necessity forces many drivers to pick any insurer and care less about details that could eventually turn out to be a money spinner. To help you with this, we have come up with 10 ways that will point you to the right policies and cut premiums when dealing with car insurance companies.
10 Tips on Looking for Car Insurance Companies
1. The first way to ensure that you are getting the best deal is by examining the rates from other insurance companies. Since state insurance offers guides to available services, you can conveniently conduct an annual rate check to make sure you are not spending too much on your car insurance cover. Or better still, make use of online comparison tools.
2. Always pick a highly rated insurance company. While some auto insurance companies could be doing well, there are always others that may be doing better.
3. Avoid having bad credit scores. A bad credit score will have a negative effect on your premiums in the long run. Hence, ensure that you carry out a regular check on your credit standing.
4. Develop the habit of reviewing your coverage. Regular checkups will make sure that you know when you are not having enough coverage for property damage and bodily injuries. Cost and risks increase over time and your coverage must be in consonance with these unforeseen increases.
5. Always keep your insurer informed about reduced mileage. A change of job, work from home or unemployment could mean that you now drive less and this should qualify you for lower premiums.
6. Pay close attention to crash repairs. If your car was involved in a crash and needs repairs, be sure to keep a close eye on the repairer assigned by your insurer. In some cases, repair shops may push you to settle for cheap parts instead of the authentic ones from the manufacturer which your coverage is supposed to pay for.
7. Avoid scams and staged accidents by hoodlums that may result in an unpleasant insurance claim against you. Ensure that you follow good driving practices, and in the chance of a crash, take photographs and call the police to make an official report.
8. Try your best to buy the right car. Vehicle damage and the eventual cost of repairs go a long way to determine the price of an auto insurance. When setting out to buy a new car, always make sure that you compare the data on collision by car model.
9. Be careful when setting deductibles. Premiums are reduced when you choose a higher deductible. Unfortunately, this may mean that you have to pay a huge percentage of the cost of car repair in the advent of an accident. This risk is worth taking if you have a good driving record and haven’t had an accident where you were the culprit. High premiums could mean up to 40 percent savings if you are lucky.
10. Always take advantage of available discounts. Discounts are available for low-risk drivers (married folks, old people, etc). Possessing some safety equipment could also help reduce insurance costs. Car insurance companies also bundle auto and home together, which could cost a lot less.
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