This post will prepare you in 10 steps so that you can successfully get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. It is essential that you have the right protection against many risks involved with motoring. And shopping around for the cheapest vehicle insurance rates allows you to manage the premium easier. If you give up after one or two high quotes you are doomed to accept an unsatisfactory policy. The aim is to avoid such situation and be ready for the worst-case scenario.
You will go through several questions before you get quotes. It is important to take a moment to consider each of them and be ready to give precise details. This process will be easier and savings may be larger if you know how it works and a few important points. If you follow these tips you are highly likely to find out which auto insurer has the cheapest quote for you in no time. It may require a little work but usually it is worth it. Here are ten things to know in order to track down the best overall deal.
- What Level of Coverage Do You Want?
First thing to decide is if you want to make changes to the existing coverage, if this is a renewal. You need to decide what type of a policy you want, if this is first time purchase. Going over personal circumstances and requirements once at the end of each term is always advisable. Several changes in life can affect what is needed.
Furthermore, deciding on satisfactory level of protection at the start and giving the same information everywhere you apply will make it easier to compare automobile insurance companies, their prices and terms. It is best to note the changes on the current policy and stick to these details each time you talk to an agent or fill out a proposal form online.
- Who Is the Main Driver and Registered Keeper?
You will be asked who the main driver is. This is the person who has the most access to the vehicle instead of the person who travel the longest. For example, if you commute everyday during the week and your partner takes long trips over the weekend you would be considered the main driver because you use it more often. Age, gender and experience of that person is pretty influential in the premium calculation. You will need to provide details of other motorists who may have access to the automobile as well and you should have them ready.
It would be ideal if the policyholder and registered keeper is the same person. Some states would require them to be the same anyway. You will need to sort these out in advance and register the vehicle appropriately.
- Where Do You Live and Park the Vehicle?
You may have another home in the country where you can get cheaper car insurance rates. But residential address is where you normally live and park overnight. Your zip code will affect the premium. However, you have to be honest about the actual address. You will mainly be running around home that it is only fair the price reflects the apparent risks in that locality.
Where you usually park the car at night is also required information. Is it parked on the street, driveway or in the garage? This is not a question about having a garage or not. If you have a garage and filled it with junk instead of parking a car you need to be honest about it and tell where you mostly leave the car at night.
- Where and Why Do You Drive?
The way you use the vehicle everyday is recorded and taken in to account. If you drive to work most days you need to include commute. If you are mostly taking public transportation to work you may be able to qualify for pleasure use car insurance. If you use it for any business purpose other than getting to work place and returning home you should discuss the options with the provider. You should disclose any business use.
- How Many Miles Do You Drive?
If you are expecting to travel the same distance as last year you can quickly check how many miles recorded on the odometer within the last year. Otherwise, you should work out a good estimate of the expected yearly mileage. This is important since you can qualify for further discounts if you drive less than average or if you are considered as an occasional car user.
Many people like to have a car but they may not use it as much. If you are one of those people there is no need to pay high premiums and most auto insurers recognise this position. For example, retired people and people who are working from home may not get on them often.
- How Is Your Record?
The past records are indicative of future risks. You will be asked to list any traffic convictions and claims in the last 3 to 5 years. The same information is required for each of the listed drivers. It would be better if you have the exact details ready but it is alright to provide rough dates. Remember that companies are able to see these details and therefore you should come clean about them. You can have problems in the future with claims once DMV and other records are discovered to be different than what you have disclosed.
- Was the Auto Modified?
Making significant modifications to a car can increase premiums. But you will need to disclose them if you want to be insured properly. Otherwise, claims may be turned down especially if the modifications were influential in the accident that caused the losses. In addition, you may not get compensated for the costs involved in modifications if the carrier doesn’t know about them.
- Can You Afford to Accept Higher Deductibles?
Most policies come with standard deductibles but you are usually allowed to increase them. This would mean that you take more risk by agreeing to pay larger portion of future claims. Therefore, many companies would be willing to offer their cheapest auto insurance rates accordingly. Decide up to how much you can increase deductibles. Mind not to overstretch yourself by increasing them. Then, you can ask to revise the quote with increased deductibles and see if you get enough savings to choose higher amounts.
- Can You Pay the Premium in Full?
If you can pay it in one go you can get a discount and avoid the interest for deferring payments. If you have to spread the costs you should check the monthly quotations as the level of interest and fees charged for it can vary from one company to another.
10. Do You Have Long No Claim History to Protect?
If you have built up a good no claim history you can protect the discounts with accident forgiveness cover. This way, you wouldn’t lose them if you only have one accident in the future. Many people make the mistake of assuming that this will be automatically included. You should make a note to check if you will get accident forgiveness or not before switching.
You will need to go through these steps anyway. Why not pay attention and try to qualify for as many discounts as possible in order to get cheap car insurance quotes. When you understand why the question is asked you probably are more convinced as to giving it a consideration and providing precise answers. Think of it like an interview with the insurer to qualify for the best rates.