Auto Insurance: Affordable Car Insurance Policies for Owners

If you own a car then auto insurance is a
'must-have'. Every state requires you to own a minimum car insurance
coverage to protect you and others from damages arising out of an
accident. You may not be required to have the best auto insurance but a
state minimum is mandatory.


What is auto insurance?


Auto insurance is an agreement with your
insurance provider where you pay the premiums regularly and your
provider agrees to pay for the financial losses in case of an accident.

None
of you may want to think that you will ever have a car accident, but
when you do, are you prepared for that financially? If not, then it is
time you think of getting an automobile insurance. You may contact your
insurance agent and ask him to provide you with a policy that suits
you. Whether it is cheap auto insurance or an expensive one that you
need can be determined by your insurance agent.

For those of you
who are bound by a budget may go for cheap car insurance, but it is
suggested that you buy a policy that covers you well.

What does a basic auto insurance policy cover?


To get a proper coverage, understanding automobile
insurance is very important. Your basic state auto insurance policy
covers the following:
  • Bodily Injury Liability
    : This means that if the driver or the policyholder or the policy
    holder's family member caused any bodily injury to someone else, this
    coverage would protect.

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
    : If the passengers and driver of the policy holder's car happen to be
    injured, this policy covers the cost of treatment and may also cover
    lost wages, cost of replacing services and funeral costs.

  • Liability for Property Damage
    : If you or someone driving your car with your permission damages
    another person's property, this policy provides coverage. It also
    covers damage to lamp posts, telephone poles or any other structure hit
    by your car.

  • Collision coverage
    : This policy provides coverage for damage to your (policy holder) car
    as a result of collision with another automobile or any other object.
    There is generally a deductible. Even if you are at fault in an
    accident, this policy will cover the repairing cost of your car minus
    the deductible. If you are not at fault, then your insurance provider
    will try to recover the cost from the faulty driver's insurance company.

  • Comprehensive Coverage
    : If you suffer a loss due to theft or a damage caused by something
    other than collision with another car, like fire, explosion,
    earthquake, windstorm, and the like then this policy provides coverage.
    This policy is also available with a certain amount of deductible.

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
    : If an uninsured or underinsured or a hit-and-run driver hits you or
    your family member, this policy will reimburse the cost of damage. This
    usually happens when people go for cheap motor insurance. You will also
    be protected if you are hit as a pedestrian.

Can you still save money with general auto insurance?


Of course you can save money with general auto
insurance. There are discount auto insurance schemes that you can take
advantage of from your insurance provider. You will surely find a cheap
auto insurance that will also allow you to save some money while also
protecting yourself from damage. Take a look at few of the ways in
which to save money.
  1. Few states may offer discounts for anti-lock breaks. You must
    find out if this discount applies to 2 or 4 wheel anti-lock break
    vehicle.

  2. Sometimes automatic seatbelts as well as airbags are also discounted.

  3. In addition many states offer a defensive driver class discount.
    This means that if a driver over 55 years of age completes a class for
    defensive driving, a class discount could apply.

  4. If you have multiple vehicles, then you may get budget car insurance where some providers may also offer discounts.

  5. In some cases, the insurance company may offer a safe driver's
    discount if you happen to have a safe driving history for the last 3
    years at least.

  6. If you have been with an insurance company for long, they could offer you a renewal discount.

  7. Even students can get affordable auto insurance. If you are a
    student (unmarried) under the age of 25 years and you meet the grade
    requirements, you may become eligible for certain student discounts.

  8. The type of car that you buy may also be a factor for what affects
    the cost of auto insurance. The auto insurance quotes that you get for
    a luxurious car may be much higher than what you get for a simple
    automobile.
Getting a quote is very easy. Online auto insurance quotes are also available in case you do not have the time for an agent.

Does shopping for auto insurance help?


There are 3 easy steps by which you can save money even while you shop. Find a policy that fits your pocket. Take a look:
  1. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site
    may help you get the affordable car insurance quote for your state.
    With this you may be able to compare the rates you get from other
    insurance companies.

  2. Increasing deductibles is a good way of saving money. Hence
    getting a policy that asks for high amount of deductibles means that
    higher your deductibles the lesser exposure your company will have and
    hence your premiums will become lower.

  3. 3. Another way in which you can save money on your auto insurance
    is by dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on cars that are
    older. You must consider the value of the vehicle, the deductible and
    the premium that you pay.
For more tips click here

Will your premium go up after you file a claim?


Usually the insurance provider will likely
increase your premium for a chargeable claim. This means that the auto
insurance claims that you make will become chargeable if the insurance
company thinks you are at fault. The increase will be a certain
percentage decided by the company. The percentage, however, depends on
the company you have purchased your policy from.

Sometimes, if
you have a bad driving record, your motor insurance company may also
refuse to renew your policy. How your driving record will be measured
varies from one company to another. But accidents caused by drunk
driving may result in non-renewal of your policy.

Incase you
decide not to inform your insurer about an accident that seems minor to
you; it may cause you a problem later. If you get sued by the other
driver weeks or months later, your auto insurance provider might not
cover you because of the time lapse. Even if the claim is not refused,
there will be less chances of getting relevant evidence to support your
case.

We cannot predict when we will meet with an accident. It
is only sensible that we take care of our safety when we still have
time. Investing in auto insurance would keep us protected if we get hit
by another car, if we hit someone else's car; an uninsured driver hits
us or if a drunk driver hits any of our family member.

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