Have you recently bought a new car? Are you dissatisfied with the perks offered by your current car insurer? Either way, it’s high time for you to find a good car insurance company that will not only give you good rates, but more importantly adequate coverage. Shopping for insurance can’t always be the most leisurely shopping experience one can have though, as it can be quite difficult especially if you are not used to the process.
Tip #1: Maximize available resources
However, it can’t be impossible to have the best pick even when you’re only a newbie. You just need to know how to properly maximize your resources. Say, the Internet. This facility contains a massive volume of information that you can benefit from. If you don’t have much knowledge about buying insurance, look for credible sites that can give you the answers for all your questions and doubts. However you need to be careful and possess a good sense of discernment as not everything you see on the Internet is reliable. Make sure that you take into consideration the credentials of the sites that you’re looking at. Moreover, you can also ask advice from people who know better than you. Your parents, for instance, may be signed with an insurance company that they have trusted for years now, or they might know of really good ones. Listen to these advices and recommendations as they are tested through time and experience.
Tip #2: Never, ever go for economy at the expense of quality
You should also know what is necessary in buying insurance. Just like any other type of shopping, it should be a good meld of quality and economy. Incredibly affordable car insurance will never be too good if it can’t get you covered as much as it would be necessary. Remember, you will never know when a traffic accident would happen, let alone how much damage it will cause both on your car and on your savings. So, shop wisely and ascertain that you choose a company that gives good coverage at fair rates.
Tip #3: Be particular about the coverage you’re getting
It is quite natural for any shopper to immediately be enticed by items that are seemingly ‘great deals’ just because they are cheaper than the regular or expected price. Bear in mind that insurance agents are pretty much concerned about closing a deal that they are willing to dive rates just to win the approval of their clients. Therefore, you should not get blinded by incredibly cheap auto insurance that agents set on your plate. When they give you too-good-to-be-true rates, make sure that you scrutinize which coverage options are included as there’s a huge possibility that you might be missing out on features that you might actually need. In whatever case, though, you just really have to be keen about the services you are being offered regardless if they are too cheap or too expensive for you. Full or comprehensive insurance packages usually include features you can essentially do without, so you might be able to avail of a cheaper price by ticking them off your coverage. Examples of these are roadside assistance and car rental reimbursements. Collision cost, for some cases, might be unnecessary particularly when the market value of your vehicle is significantly lower than the amount you would be paying for your premium. But since in this case we are tackling insurance shopping for first-timers, then perhaps the best bet is to get collision coverage since you are most likely going to need it.
Tip #4: Know the factors that you can take to your advantage
There are ways through which you can reduce the amount you pay for your premium. Your insurance premium is calculated based largely on the risk that you pose as the insured. The higher the risk you have in being involved in a traffic accident, or the higher the likelihood that your car is going to break down sooner or is going to be burglarized, then the insurer has all the reasons to raise your premium. The trick is to make your car theft-protected by installing car alarms or anti-lock braking systems. Similarly, years of driving experience coupled with a flawless record will also help reduce your premium. If you have been driving long ago using your parents’ car and are now applying for insurance for your newly acquired personal car, then there’s great possibility that the insurers will give you credit for your experience and good driving record.
Tip #5: Always, always keep your perk alert switched on
Finally, each company has perks to offer in order to draw the consumers in. Be sure that you are aware of the promotional offers given by the companies you’re interested in so far, and choose the one that gives the best offers for your specific situation or circumstance. Some insurance companies give discounts for members of a particular association or organization, so see to it that you know which ones these are.
Cedric Loiselle enjoys writing about a wide variety of niches including finance, health, and home improvement. He aspires to reach myriads of readers and help them in their unique needs by providing useful and relevant information through his writings.