In an age when a few clicks are all it takes to get an auto insurance quote, you’d think that finding the best policy for your needs and budget would be simple. Unfortunately, each carrier takes a slightly different approach to calculating premiums. Your driving history, zip code, vehicle make and model, and even your credit score can affect your rates, and prices can vary greatly from one insurance provider to the next.
Whatever coverage you buy, make sure you purchase Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist coverage. You may need it someday.
Watch this video for Tips for Buying Car Insurance
Read on to learn a few tips to help you save money and find the right car insurance company for your needs:
- Consider Discounts That Apply to Your Situation
Most insurance providers offer at least a few discounts to attract new policyholders and retain existing customers. But often, you’ll have to ask about their discounts in order to cash in on the savings. When you’re shopping around for a policy, be sure to ask the prospective carriers if they offer any of the following discounts that apply to your situation:
- Multi-vehicle discount;
- Auto and home insurance bundle discount;
- Student discount;
- Low mileage discount;
- Military affiliation discount;
- Advanced renewal discount;
- Full car insurance payment discount;
- Anti-theft device discount;
- Paperless discount; and
- Insurance company transfer discount.
- Look at Quote Comparison Studies
You may have already come across a website that allows you to compare auto insurance rates from various providers. Some websites, such as this one, take their quote comparison services a step further by identifying the cheapest carriers based on specific driver profiles in each state. This research is a good starting point for finding the most affordable insurance company for your particular circumstances.
- Read Online Reviews
Everybody wants to cut their monthly expenses, but price shouldn’t be your only consideration when searching for an auto insurance policy. Many carriers promote themselves as trustworthy and dependable, but when it comes time to file a claim, they look for any possible reason to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay out, or to argue that the accident isn’t covered.
You can tell a lot about an insurance company by looking at reviews from current and past policyholders. Sites like Yelp and Google can give you an idea of how reliable the carrier is. These sites can also provide insight into whether certain discounts and policy features are misleading.
About Chelsie King Garza, P.C.
Although purchasing auto insurance is a smart step toward protecting your financial future, you might still encounter a dispute or complication when it comes time to file a claim. Chelsie King Garza, P.C. is a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Houston who helps accident victims and their families pursue the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Chelsie has more than 20 years of experience in settlement negotiations and personal injury litigation. If you or someone you know needs legal help after a car accident, call 713-893-8808 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also use our Contact Form to send us a message online.
