Shopping for car insurance can be time-consuming and frustrating.
There are many details that must be covered and getting an auto insurance quote involves answering many questions.
Fortunately, it does not have to be that hard!
These tips will help anyone shopping for insurance find a great auto insurance agency and then determine what coverage they actually need!
- Know How Much Basic Insurance Is Needed - Every state has a basic minimum liability and property damage coverage amount that every driver must have with their car insurance policy. Most drivers should purchase more than the bare minimum amounts to fully protect themselves. Ideally, drivers should have at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per event liability coverage and $100,000 property damage, but many will want to choose even higher amounts.
- Decide What Other Coverage Is Necessary - Beyond liability and property damage, drivers should consider collision and comprehensive auto insurance protection to cover their own vehicle, underinsured/uninsured motorist protection, medical payment or personal injury protection, as well as any other specialty coverage that might apply in their specific situation. Gap insurance may also be helpful.
- Seek Multiple Quotes - After determining what types and amounts of coverage are desired, the next step is to seek out quotes from multiple auto insurance agencies. Either speak to a representative or fill out an online questionnaire, answering all the questions including whether there have been any accidents in the past. Auto insurance agencies can verify this information, so there is no point in skipping it.
- Research Agency Reviews and Licenses - After collecting a number of car insurance quotes, do additional research on those with the best quotes. Look for complaints on the Better Business Bureau website or on their local business directory listing on Google My Business, Yelp!, and others. Confirm their insurance license as well and see what current and past customers are saying about them.
- Inquire About Discounts - Once a final few auto insurance agencies are chosen, contact them to discuss things like insurance discounts they may offer like safe driver discounts and discounts for onboard safety features.
- Choose A Deductible - Lastly, discuss what auto insurance deductibles are available and how they are handled.
After going through these steps, anyone shopping for car insurance should have a fairly good idea of which insurer and policy they would like to purchase.
For more information or to discuss coverage levels more in-depth, drivers can contact a local independent auto insurance agency that will be happy to help them decide how much insurance coverage is best for them and fits their budget!