Auto Insurance Buyer's Guide

Car insurance is one of the things that elicit cash from your pocket. Every month, your insurer requires you to pay premiums in exchange of your coverage or protection from loss and liabilities. You may be like the many other people who pay substantial amounts of cash, but do not make claims or be in any traffic accident. However, even if you do not enjoy the benefits just yet, you will do so anytime you get involved in a collision. One of these days, your insurance premiums will pay off.

It has to be clear to you that auto insurance is not optional; you cannot go about living a happy-go-lucky life without carrying car insurance. Almost all states of America require you to have vehicle insurance before you can take out your car and use it in public roads. If you do not comply with the laws, you may be charged a fine or be temporarily detained.

Whether you are shopping for a new insurance or thinking about having your present one replaced, you should be aware of the many things to consider before buying an insurance policy. If you have an existing insurance, look into the premiums you pay each month. Do you think that what you pay is given justice or can you find another insurance company that offers same benefits but requires relatively cheaper premiums? If you are a first-time buyer, do you know how to shop for quotes that will get you the best insurance deal? Are you going to invest in the rightful insurance company?

There is a way to buy an insurance company that can offer you outstanding benefits at the lowest possible premium price. In finding your way to this insurer, you have to make sure you have enough knowledge of the aspects of auto insurance. To help you get there, an auto insurance buyer's guide is written for you.

What is Meant by Car Insurance?

Car Insurance also termed as auto insurance, motor insurance, or vehicle insurance is an insurance that is purchased for cars and other vehicles. The primary benefit of having this insurance for your car is to have a financial protection against any sort of damage that may arise to the car or the traveller inside due to a traffic collision or an accident. Every country has its own terms and regulations for this type of insurance which varies from a state to state.

In most of the countries it is essential that you have car insurance before you could actually drive your car on the public roads.

Why Do We Need Car Insurance?

As per laws it is mandatory that if you own a car you need car insurance, be it any part of the world that you may live in. Although it is mandatory and you may feel its something forceful compelling you to pay money out of our pocket, it's highly beneficial in nature. In case you have a valid car insurance policy, rather than paying out of your pocket for any damage that your car may cause or suffer after an accident the insurer is liable to pay. Thus this is a protection and no case of fraud can be caused in this situation. Car insurance virtually covers any type of damage which your car may suffer due to theft, accident, fire or any other natural calamity such as an earthquake, flood, or cyclone.

Car insurance is valid for a year and it is to be renewed annually. Although as per law it is essential that a car is covered under car insurance but there are a large majority of cars which are not covered around the globe. The primary cause is people don't feel it is important to have car insurance and like to save the money they spend to take an annual insurance. However it's worth spending a small amount to get a car insurance so that you are guarded against any unfortunate situations of accident and injury.

What are The Legal Requirements?

It has already been made clear to you that insurance is not a luxury item; it is a requirement of the law. The states of America require different minimum coverage for its people. You have to know the minimum coverage amount that your jurisdiction requires you to maintain. It is best to research on the insurance requirements of the law; print them out and save for later use. You are going to need them in the next step.

What are The Bases of Premiums?

Insurance companies price the premiums they charge policyholders based on statistics, which is why your premium payments vary. The determinants of bases of premium charges are as follows:

- Gender

- Age

- Marital status

- Years of driving experience

- Classification of vehicle

- Distance the vehicle travels

- Car specifications

The abovementioned articles are usually the ones that determine the price of premiums to be paid to the insurer. However, your driving record can still affect your premium payments – positively or negatively. Before buying auto insurance, you are advised to get a copy of your driving record as it can influence the rate of your insurance. A good driving record can lower the premiums you have to pay, while a bad record can keep premiums up.

What are Your Insurance Needs?

Aside from the set minimum insurance coverage of your state, you still have to buy another form of coverage or insurance policy. In determining your needs, always put in mind that you are looking for a balance between your insurance requirements and your ability to pay insurance premiums.

The coverage amount is the amount that your insurance company will pay the person you are in a traffic accident with. However, you can also protect your vehicle from other forms of loss and damage. For a higher premium, you can shop for comprehensive coverage; this coverage protects your car from damage or loss due to vandalism, theft, flood, or wind. Collision coverage is an insurance policy that will pay you for car repair if you hit or collide with something. These other types of coverage usually come with a deductible; the higher the deductible, the lower your premium payments are.

What Coverage's Should You Consider?

When looking for auto insurance, the number of coverage's that are out there make most people realize that it is just more than stating that they want car insurance. When ready to buy insurance there are some coverage's that the person must consider as a way to provide the ultimate protection for their car. These include the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage which provides compensation in those times that you are involved in an accident with someone who is not covered. Property damage is also a coverage that the person should consider since this is going to protect the objects that they may run into.

In terms of coverage for the actual physical car, the person should consider comprehensive that is going to cover the car when it is involved in anything other than collision. For example, when the car is involved in a storm and receives hail damage. Collision coverage is usually required by all the states as a mandatory coverage since this will kick in when the person is involved in an accident. When considering all these coverage's, the person will find that they will fall under full coverage, which is great for those with new cars. Liability only means that you take responsibility for the damage that you cause, yet not for your own vehicle. Thus, it is not one of the only coverage's that the person should consider.

When Should You Buy Full Coverage Insurance?

Full coverage insurance should be purchased in many situations. For one, if the person has a lease on the car through the manufacturer or dealer, or when the person is still paying on the car via a car loan that they received through a bank or credit union. In these situations it is a legal requirement that the person have full coverage on their vehicles.

Other instance in which full coverage is necessary is when the value of the car is high. If you are driving a car that is relatively new, then consider what you would do if the car was totaled. Full coverage will help to replace the car and make sure that everything else is taken care of. Full coverage does provide the person with the ultimate coverage, thus if you want to feel safe while on the roadways, then full coverage is the answer.

How Do You Get The Best Rate?

Every insurance buyer wants to get the best value for their money. Every car owner wants to get the best rate for his auto insurance. If you want to get the best rate for your insurance policy, you may have to ask insurance companies whether they are giving discounts for the following:

1. Good driving record
As mentioned earlier, your driving record can positively affect your insurance rates. If you have not received a traffic ticket in three years or have not made an insurance claim, you may avail of insurance discount.

2. Good grades
It may be a form of marketing strategy, but some insurance companies do offer young drivers a form of discount if they maintain at least a B average rating in school.

3. Driving courses
Young drivers may be given discounts once they are able to finish a driving course named Pass Plus. Discounts can also be given to those who complete drive safety courses.

4. Car safety equipment
Cars that have anti-theft and anti-lock brakes have cheaper insurance rates because of their low probability to get stolen or involved in accidents.

5. Higher deductibles
Insurance companies may reward lower premiums to policyholders who are willing to pay higher deductibles. Deductible is the maximum out-of-pocket expense that insurance holders have to incur before the insurance company pays in their behalf.

How Do You Get Insurance Quotes?

Now that you already know the basics of auto insurance, it is time to get insurance quotes. In the past, insurance buyers have to personally contact an insurance broker to get quotes of an insurer. But with the advent of internet, getting insurance quotes is now only a mouse click away. Several insurance companies have set up online quotation sites that enable you to get the quotes you need. All that is required of you is to input basic information about yourself and your vehicle and quotes will be provided to you in a while.

The benefit of being able to gather quotes online is that you can easily compare policies and premium prices. For you to be able to get the best value for your money, choose to buy the insurance that will guarantee you your insurance needs and the lowest possible premium.

Once you have shopped for you insurance, make sure you print out a proof of insurance that you can carry with you at all times.

If you are military, visit our car insurance buyers guide for military personnel for understanding options that affect on your rates.