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How to Save on Car Insurance
Getting auto insurance quotes online and shopping around for the best deals are important steps to take when purchasing a new insurance policy for your motor vehicle. However, you must first determine whether you need full coverage auto insurance, a basic liability policy or any other type of coverage.
Ultimately, the type of coverage you choose will have the biggest effect on your monthly premium.
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While the average cost of insuring a vehicle in the U.S. is around $1,457 per year (or $121 per month), you can reduce your premiums in several ways. For example, you will likely find lower premiums if you compare rates from multiple insurance companies, improve your credit score and practice safe driving.
Requesting free quotes from multiple insurance companies can also help you to find the most affordable policy for your needs. To learn more about how to save on car insurance before purchasing a policy for your new or used motor vehicle, review the sections below.
How to Get Auto Insurance Quotes
To get an inexpensive car insurance policy, you will need to provide a few pieces of information that every insurance company asks for. This will help you find a policy that meets your budget, personal preferences and the minimum insurance requirements for the state in which you live.
Most auto insurance companies will require you to provide the insured vehicle’s identification number (VIN), your driver’s license number and a current insurance policy number (if applicable). Make sure you have all of this information before starting to request a quote.
When obtaining vehicle insurance quotes, you may also need to provide:
- Your name, date of birth and home address.
- The driver’s license numbers of anyone who lives with you.
- The estimated number of miles you plan to drive each year.
- The total number of years you have held a license.
- Your driving history from the previous five years, including any tickets you have received or violations you have committed.
- The type of policy you wish to obtain, such as full coverage, liability or comprehensive coverage.
To get low auto insurance rates on a new policy, refer to the declarations page of your most current insurance policy. This will help you to provide the most accurate information about yourself and the type of coverage you need. If you cannot provide accurate information about yourself and the type of vehicle you wish to insure, your quote may be higher or lower than it should be.
Where to Compare Auto Insurance Online for the Best Rates
You may choose to get auto insurance online from a local company or by purchasing a policy through an independent agent or broker, depending on your needs and personal preferences. It may also be useful to ask for recommendations from friends and family members before beginning your search.
Keep in mind that insurance costs vary widely by company, so it is important to obtain at least three quotes from different companies before purchasing a new policy.
How and where you purchase an insurance policy will depend on the state where you live and drive, as each state sets its own insurance rules and regulations. If you are conducting your car insurance price comparison in Michigan, for instance, your rates will be some of the highest ($2,611 per year). However, if you are comparing car insurance in Maine, you will find some of the cheapest premiums ($845 per year).
Ultimately, the most affordable auto insurance policy for you will vary depending on the state where you live, your driving history and other factors.
If you are a good driver with no tickets or traffic accidents on your record, several of the best companies for you may include State Farm, GEICO, Progressive and Farmers. State Farm offers good drivers an average rate of $1,337 per year, while GEICO rates average around $1,627 per year.
Keep in mind that your credit score, age and several other factors will affect the rate you receive. If you are looking for affordable car insurance quotes but have bad credit, for instance, GEICO offers good drivers an average rate of around $2,635 per year. Through State Farm, good drivers with bad credit receive an average rate of around $2,978 per year.
Furthermore, you may be able to find smaller auto insurance companies that sell affordable policies to good drivers. For instance, Grange offers good drivers an average rate of around $524 per year, while Erie offers an average annual rate of around $771. When obtaining free online car insurance quotes, remember to request quotes from large and small companies, as this will help you to get the best deal.
When to Begin Your Auto Insurance Price Comparison
Many drivers begin to look for reasonable car insurance quotes after they purchase a new or used automobile from a dealership or private seller. However, if you want lower insurance rates over time, you should consider a few factors before purchasing a vehicle.
For instance, vehicles with greater rates of injury, thefts and wreckage will typically cost more to insure than safer automobiles with fewer instances of injury.
When you get auto insurance quotes to cover your motor vehicle in the event of a collision, theft or natural disaster, other factors will affect the amount of your premium. These factors include:
- The purchase price of the vehicle.
- The average cost of repairing the vehicle.
- Whether the vehicle is more likely to be stolen.
- The vehicle’s safety ratings.
Before purchasing a new or used vehicle, you may wish to consider these factors, especially if you are looking to save on the cost of automobile insurance. The Insurance Information Institute’s (III) Top Safety Pick ratings tool can help you to find safer motor vehicles that typically cost less to insure.
After comparing vehicle safety ratings, obtain an instant auto insurance quote from at least three different companies to help you determine whether the vehicles in question are right for your driving needs and budget.
When getting free online auto insurance quotes, it is also important to inquire about any discounts you may qualify for, as this will help you to save even more on the cost of insuring your vehicle. Depending on the insurance company, discounts may be available to safe drivers and owners of vehicles with added safety features.