Cheap Auto Insurance

There are many ways to save money in this tough economy, and one of them is by choosing different auto insurance. Cheap auto insurance is available, and it doesn’t have to require skimping on coverage levels. Protect your assets, protect your car and enjoy low rates by comparing quotes from different companies.

Find a cheap auto insurance policy today by entering your zip code above!

Personal Protection

Insurance is designed to protect you, your passengers and your assets. It’s tempting to lower your premiums by choosing lower coverage levels, but this is never a wise decision. If you cause an accident, you will be held responsible for damages to the other party’s property. Even in no-fault states where you can’t sue for pain and suffering, you will still have to pay for actual property damages. If your insurance levels aren’t high enough to cover those damages, you could be facing a lawsuit to cover the balance. If you live in a no-fault state, choose liability coverage of at least $150,000. Coverage levels in tort states, where you could be facing lawsuits for high medical bills or pain and suffering, be sure you carry enough to protect all of your assets.

Collision and Comprehensive

There are a lot of terms to learn when shopping for auto insurance. Some companies will offer incredibly low rates for state-mandated minimum coverage, but these liability only plans will not cover your vehicle should there be an accident. When comparing prices, be sure that you are asking for coverage that will also cover your vehicle. Collision coverage is what you need to get your car fixed should you cause an accident. Comprehensive coverage is required if you want your car to be covered from theft, vandals, storms and any other damage that might be caused outside of an accident.

It’s tempting to forego collision and comprehensive coverage to save more money on auto insurance. However, that’s not the best way to save. If your car is financed, the finance company will require that you maintain full coverage on the vehicle, including comprehensive. If your car is older and paid for, it’s temping to save money by dropping those coverages, but this is a risky decision. Even if your car is only worth $3,000 you should still carry full coverage. Should there be an accident your car will easily be totaled. Without these coverages, you could be left with no car and no way to get another car. Before deciding to drop collision and comprehensive, ask yourself if you have the money in the bank to go buy another car should something tragic happen to yours.

Peace of Mind

When getting insurance quotes for cheap insurance, be sure to find out if the company automatically covers you against uninsured drivers and underinsured drivers. Most companies will require that you purchase additional coverage to protect yourself in the even that you are hit by someone who is not carrying adequate coverage. This is another area where it’s tempting to save money by skipping this coverage. But if your $50,000 Cadillac is totaled out by someone who does not have insurance, your insurance company will not pay for the damage without this coverage. When comparing prices, be sure that you are including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Comparing Companies

When you compare the prices offered by different companies, you will find several that you are interested in. Determine which ones offer the lowest rates, then research those companies separately. Check out the ratings on each company that are compiled by companies like JD Power, Standard & Poor’s and A.M. Best. These ratings can let you know how stable a company is financially, how their customer service ratings are, how good they are at paying claims and even how easy they are to get in touch with. It’s understandable that you are searching for low rates, but you also want to choose solid service. Compile a list of 3 or 4 companies that offer the low rates you are looking for, and then choose the one with the highest ratings and greatest level of financial security.

Comparing Plans

Every company has slightly different offerings and specials. When comparing the plans, take the time to also look at the different programs that are offered. Some companies offer special programs that replace your car with one that is a full model year newer should it be totaled, other companies provide free gap insurance to cover the difference between what you owe on your car and what it’s worth. Look into the different programs that are included free with your policy and keep these in mind when deciding on an insurance carrier.

Combining Policies

Some companies offer discounts if you have homeowner’s insurance with them as well as auto insurance. You may even decide that your best deal lies with a company that can also provide you with life insurance coverage. When comparing companies, keep the other services you might require in mind. If you own a home and are trying to bring the premium down, look for companies that offer both types of insurance. Be sure to ask for a multi-policy discount before making the final decision.

Discounts Available

Most insurance companies offer discounts, so be sure to compare them. You may find that a company with a better rating winds up being less expensive thanks to the discounts that are offered. Look for the following types of discounts before making a final decision:

• Multiple policies with one company, such as home, life and auto
• Safe driver discount
• A discount for taking a safe driver’s class
• Discounts for taking senior citizen driving classes
• Good student discounts for teenage drivers
• Having multiple cars
• Cars with additional security features
• Cars with additional safety features
• Discounts for different occupational groups
• Homeowners discounts
• One-time discounts for signing up
• Anti-lock brakes
• Discount for driving a new car
• Senior citizen discounts

Watch the Deductible

When looking for cheap auto insurance, stop to consider how often you file claims. Most people go years without filing a claim, yet they carry low deductibles. Raising your deductible is the fastest and simplest way to lower your insurance premium. You can easily enjoy a savings of $50 a month of more by going from a zero deductible to a $500 deductible. If you go only 10 months without an accident, you have saved the deductible amount and will continue to rack up the savings with every month that you do not file a claim. Raise the deductible to $1000 and you will save even more money every month.

Cheap auto insurance is available. Before shopping, make a list of the coverage levels you will need so you can get accurate comparisons. By taking the time to compare policies and prices side by side, you can find coverage that will protect you without blowing the budget.

Star now by entering your zip code below and compare auto quotes from the top auto insurance companies!