You have dozens of options when it comes to car insurance, and only
you know what's best for you. Consider these points before shopping for
an auto policy for you and your family.
Is your car big or small?
Lightweight cars tend to cost more to insure because they're more
likely to be involved in an accident. This is partly because they're
commonly used as commuter cars and are driven more often. However,
maintenance on vans, trucks and SUVs may cost more. When you are
researching auto insurance quotes, compare the cost to maintain such a vehicle against the cost to insure your small car.
Consider your options for an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Though a hybrid vehicle initially costs more than nonhybrids, you may
be able to save money in several ways. Other than tax credits or
deductions you may be eligible for, some insurance carriers tout
discounts you could score. For example, Travelers Insurance offers a 10
percent discount for hybrid vehicle policies. If the carrier doesn't
offer a discount, ask for it and tell the representative about other
deals you've found.
How many miles do you average each year?
Before you begin the insurance quote search, know that the more miles
you drive, the higher your premium will be. The reason for this is the
carrier sees you as a higher risk because your chances of getting into
an accident increase.
Check out the carrier's reputation.
Research whether the company has had numerous, legitimate complaints.
Is the company listed in your state's insurance department? Employees
there may be able to give you a rundown of the company's pros and cons.
Check the financial rating, and ask around to see if your friends,
family or co-workers use the company. Ask whether they are happy and
what they would change if they could.
Will there be a teenager listed on your policy?
Because of their short driving history and high accident rate, teens
usually get a bad rep on car insurance. However, there are ways to
navigate an insurance quote while including your teen. Many carriers
offer discounts for safety driving programs, good grades and installed
monitoring devices.
Armed with this information, use Bankrate's auto insurance quote
comparison tool to find a carrier that fits your needs. Then fit your
plan around the type of car you have, the type of people listed on your
policy and your driving habits.
