8 Car Insurance Tips Everyone Should Know

Car insurance often feels like an expensive nuisance—that is, until you need it. Shop wisely with these eight car insurance tips aimed at saving you money on premiums without sacrificing the coverage you need.

Get More Than One Quote

If you’re buying car insurance for the first time, it pays to comparison shop. You can call different insurance providers one by one, or you can find a website or app to do the comparing for you.

To receive an accurate quote, be sure to have your zip code, driver’s license number, make and model of your car, and the type of coverage you want (bare minimum, middle of the road, or premium coverage). With a few estimates in hand, you can make an informed decision.

Estimate the Cost of Insurance Before Buying a Car

The vehicle you drive makes a significant difference in the amount you pay for car insurance. In general, less expensive cars are more affordable to insure. The easiest way to estimate the cost of insurance before you buy a car is to contact your existing insurance carrier and ask how a particular purchase will affect your existing rate.

Raise Your Deductibles (with Caution)

The purpose of car insurance is to help protect you from losses you can’t afford if you get in an accident. Therefore, you should choose your deductible based on the costs you’re willing to handle.

For instance, don’t set a $100 collision deductible if you can easily take on a $1,000 loss—otherwise, you’re merely buying coverage you don’t need. While the exact amount you can save varies, one study found that the average driver can save 9 percent per month by doubling the deductible from $500 to $1,000.

Review Your Coverage

Your deductibles are only a small part of your total insurance package. Here are other factors to consider:

• Bodily injury and property damage coverage: You might not want to opt for the state minimums if getting in an accident could threaten your life savings.
• Rental reimbursement: If you have access to another vehicle you can drive while yours is being fixed, skip this coverage.
• Roadside assistance: If you’re in an auto club, or your new car’s warranty includes roadside assistance, you don’t need this coverage.
• Personal injury protection and medical payments: Do you have a high-deductible health insurance plan? Do your typical passengers lack proper insurance? If either statement is true, make up for it with personal injury/medical payment coverage from your car insurance.

Get Multiple Policies from One Company

You benefit in two ways when you combine policies. First, you shorten your list of providers. Working with one carrier is easier than working with two. Second, you may qualify for a multi-policy discount. Many car insurance companies also offer homeowner’s, renter’s, flood, motorcycle, boat, liability, and other types of insurance.

Ask About Discounts

Aside from opening multiple policies, you may also qualify for discounts in other ways. These include:

• Remaining accident-free
• Maintaining low yearly mileage
• Driving a new car with advanced safety features
• Driving an alternative-fuel vehicle
• Being a good student
• Having a military background
• Insuring multiple vehicles

These discounts can really add up, especially if you qualify for more than one.

Pay Premiums Every Six Months

Most insurance companies offer two options: pay monthly or enjoy a discount by paying a lump sum twice a year. If you can afford to do so, pay in full every six months to keep more money in your pocket over the long run.

Compare Rates Once a Year

The company offering the best rate today might not still be the best a year from now. It only takes a few minutes to get a batch of quotes online, and comparing rates won’t hurt your credit score. Just be aware that staying with the same company for many years could make you eligible for a customer loyalty discount, so consider asking your current carrier about those deals before cutting ties.

Repair Your Car at Scott’s Fort Collins Auto

Auto insurance can help you pay to fix your car, but you need a reliable mechanic to make the vehicle roadworthy again. Come to Scott’s Fort Collins Auto for comprehensive vehicle repair services you can count on. We’ll work with your insurance company to make the ordeal of recovering from an accident as stress-free as possible. Give us a call at (970) 682-4202 to arrange affordable car repair and maintenance in Fort Collins or Loveland.