Getting CarInsurance
One of the best ways to keep your car
insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.
ABOUT CAR LEASING
Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance
costs.
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1. Shop Around
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at
least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access
information on the Internet. |
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Get quotes from
different types of car insurance companies. Some sell
through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the
insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer
policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents.
They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet. |
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Don't shop price
alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact
your state insurance department to find out whether they provide
information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company
representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use
the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from
insurers and on the same coverage.
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2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Car
Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check
into car insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based
in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall
safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts
for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include
daytime running lights and anti-theft devices.
3. Ask for Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your
car insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles,
you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your
deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive
coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save
you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you
have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.
4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars.
If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the
coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you
the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at
Kelley’s Blue Book. Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure
your insurance needs haven’t changed.
5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of
insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle
insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for
long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save
money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a
multi-policy discount.
6. Maintain a Good
Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers
are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance
policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't
obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as
possible.
Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors
corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.
7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average
number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers
who car pool to work.
8. Ask about Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a
group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni
groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups
or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.
9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents
or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if
you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the
policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is
at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a
lower rate.
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