When buying car insurance for the first time, there are a few things to remember. You’ll need to select liability coverage, uninsured motorist protection, and personal injury protection. In addition, you’ll need to provide personal information such as your driver’s license, proof of address, and a copy of your vehicle’s registration. You’ll also need to gather quotes from at least three different companies and request quotes with the same level of coverage.
Getting a quote online
If you’re getting a quote online for the first time, you’re probably not entirely sure what you want. Luckily, most major insurance companies offer online quotes. While some require you to speak to a live agent, the majority of insurers can guide you through the entire process. Whether you need full coverage or just liability coverage, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality service.
Choosing a company
When shopping for car insurance, it is important to choose a company that provides quality coverage at a reasonable cost. Look for coverage options and discounts, as well as a solid reputation in the industry. Make sure to read all of the fine print and compare several insurance companies’ policies. You should also know the details of your car, such as its model, make, and model year, and any other details that you might need to know to determine which policy is best for your needs.
Choosing a deductible
Deciding on a deductible for your new auto insurance policy can be a tricky decision. You will have to decide how much you are willing to pay upfront before the insurance company pays any of the claims. While it’s tempting to select a high deductible in order to lower your premiums, be sure that you have enough cash to pay for the deductible should you have an accident. Choosing a high deductible is also a good idea if you do not expect to make any claims and plan on spending a lot of money for repairs.
Getting a quote from a “captive” agent
Many consumers think that a captive insurance agent represents the best value when buying car insurance, but this is not always the case. Captive agents are dealers with contracts with only one company and are not allowed to recommend other companies to their customers. Instead, they must use the services of a new agent or purchase their coverage directly. Getting a quote directly from the insurance company is the fastest way to purchase coverage, because it avoids the lengthy process of going through an agent, and allows customers to compare multiple quotes from multiple providers quickly.
Shopping around
There are many benefits to shopping around for your car insurance policy. Not only will you get the coverage you want at a competitive price, you’ll also find that you’ll pay less overall. You can use an online car insurance comparison tool or an independent insurance agent to find out how much different companies charge for the same coverage. When comparing quotes, make sure you get more than two and that they are all for the same level of coverage.
