Low Cost Car Insurance
February 8th, 2011Low cost car insurance can be found quite easily. If you are looking to reduce your auto insurance premiums then read this article to discover how you can make some great savings.
There are no big secrets to getting a competitive quote and it‘s not difficult either. You just need to follow the advice contained within this article.
When you receive your renewal notice through the post it can be tempting to just accept the policy that you have been offered by your current insurer. But if you’re prepared to shop around and do a little research first, you can quite often make a considerable saving on your renewal quote.
Your Vehicle
One of the most important factors in determining how much you will have to pay is your choice of vehicle. If you’re thinking of changing your car then now may be the time to do so. From the point of view of insuring your vehicle, there are some desirable factors which you should look out for.
You should choose an automobile with a high safety rating. Ideally it should be fitted with ABS brakes, an alarm, immobilizing device, hood lock, steering wheel lock and a tracker. If you’re looking for low cost car insurance then a prospective vehicle should also be cheap to buy parts for and to have repaired. An added benefit is that the price to have a service done should also be cheap on this type of vehicle.
Who will be driving your vehicle?
Decide who will be driving your vehicle. The driving record of each driver will play an important part in determining the cost of your policy. Ideally they should have a clean license with no convictions, violations or tickets. Most insurers will want to see that you are safe driver and they will examine your driving history to decide the level of risk you pose to them.
If you have teenage children who you wish to add your policy then this may increase your costs considerably. Adding them to your policy will most likely still be cheaper than if they were to be put on a separate policy. If your teenager is away at college or will only occasionally drive your car, this may qualify you for a reduction in premiums. The exact terms and conditions may vary depending on each individual company.
Should you raise your deductible?
You may wish to consider raising your deductible. The deductible is your share of the bill which you will be required to pay should you need to make a claim. If you increase your deductible you will see a corresponding drop in the premiums required. You should only consider doing this if you have the funds available in savings to pay this excess fee should you need to make a claim against the policy.
You may qualify for discounts
Many drivers qualify for discounts which they may or may not be aware of. Women usually pay less and are offered lower car insurance quotes because statistically, they are considered by insurers to be safer drivers. If you are over 50 and under 65 you may also qualify for a discount. If you belong to any professional associations or unions they may have a scheme designed to provide you with low cost car insurance.
Perhaps the most important discount is the no claims bonus. Each year that you are accident and claim free your no claims discount will increase. After several years this can add up to be a considerable saving. Some insurance companies offer the facility to protect your no claims discount. This option may increase the cost of your policy in the short-term, but over several years you can make some very good savings this way.
Do you have any other insurance policies?
If you already hold other insurance policies you may be able to incorporate your auto insurance and your existing policy within what is known as an umbrella plan. An umbrella plan groups together your cover for more than one product with a single provider. This can be an effective way to reduce your costs. If you already have homeowners or life insurance cover for example, you should check with the provider to see if they would be willing to add new automobile insurance under an umbrella plan.
Do you have more than one car to Insure?
If you’re insuring multiple vehicles then a further option exists which can save you some money. Many insurance companies provide a multi car insurance policy. This enables you to get coverage for more than one vehicle under a single plan. This can be an effective way to get low cost auto insurance quotes.
Are you a low mileage driver?
If you drive a low number of miles each year than you may be able to get a discount on your policy. This may apply to you if you only use your vehicle occasionally, or if you have a short journey to work each day. If you belong to a carpool or car sharing scheme this option may also be suitable. Some insurance companies may insist on installing a tracking device in your vehicle so that they can monitor your usage.
Should you choose to full coverage or liability only insurance?
Whether or not you require full coverage ( fully comprehensive) insurance or liability only cover ( third-party insurance) will largely depend on the age and value of your vehicle. You should consider dropping comprehensive and collision cover if your premiums cost more than your cars is worth.
If your car is subject to a loan agreement or is under finance, then you may find that your options are limited. Many (but not all) loan and finance providers insist on you having full coverage car insurance until your car is paid off in full.
Compare the market
When the time comes to make a decision. You will need to compare the renewal quote from your current insurer to quotes provided by other companies. The most easy and fast way to do this is to use a car insurance comparison website online. These websites are very easy and convenient to use. They will provide you with the most competitive quotes from a large number of the top car insurance companies in your state.
Once you have this information, you’ll be able to decide whether or not you wish to renew your policy with your current provider, or if it’s time to switch companies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low cost car insurance can be obtained with minimum effort by following the advice provided above. It’s really not difficult to find the cheapest car insurance rates. Even if you do decide to stay with your current provider, you will be able to do so safe in the knowledge that they are providing you with the most competitive quote available.
