It's important to compare car insurance coverage proposals and occasionally audit them to be sure you're properly protected
When you shop online for car insurance, you have some unique advantages. Probably the biggest advantage is you can compare car insurance coverage proposals from several insurance companies to make sure you'll get the most coverage for the lowest price. Still, you'll need to know what you're looking for when comparing policies.
Don't base it on price alone
If you compare policies based on rates alone, you could be overpaying for coverage you don't need on a policy that doesn't meet your needs. A great bargain could mean you get an inferior policy that doesn't help you much during an accident. In order to make sure you get the best coverage at the best rate, you should keep a few things in mind.
Know your family's needs and requirements
One basic step when you compare car insurance coverage proposals is to find out the state requirements for car insurance in your state. Each state has different minimum coverage requirements and if you don't meet them, you could lose your license, pay hefty fines or even face jail time. All 50 states set minimum required levels of both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, which pays for any damages you or someone in your family cause to someone else in an accident. Most insurance experts, including the Insurance Information Institute, warn that state-minimum liability insurance usually isn't enough to cover all expenses in an accident, so consider purchasing more than minimum coverage if you can afford it.
Get free quotes and car insurance coverage proposals for your family, here
Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage is anogther option that is required by some states. This insurance kicks in if you or a family member are in an accident that isn't your fault and the other driver doesn't have enough insurance (or any insurance) to pay all of your bills. An interesting fact about this type of coverage is it also protects you or a family member if you're hit by a vehicle while you're walking or riding your bike or if a hit-and-run driver causes the accident.
What are the benefits and coverage levels?
You should compare car insurance coverage to assess how much the policy will pay toward the medical bills of all people involved in the accident. While this type of coverage isn't required, it could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars if you're in an accident with serious injuries.
Compare car insurance policies for the collision coverage. Collision coverage is optional, but it's one of the most popular types of coverage because it pays to get your car fixed or replaced after an accident. Most car dealerships and finance companies require this type of coverage on financed vehicles. If you want a lot of coverage but you're on a low budget, chose a higher deductible to lower your rate.
While you're comparing collision coverage, you may also want to compare the comprehensive coverage any plan offers. Comprehensive coverage pays your expenses for non-accident related incidents such as storm damage and vandalism. This optional coverage can also come at a lower rate if you opt for a higher deductible. It's important to also clarify if the company you are making a comparison about will allow you to add collision or comprehensive as a stand-alone option. Many companies require you to get both in order to get one and in these cases, also remember that there will normally be separate deductibles for each option.
An excellent way to compare car insurance coverage plans, even after you do some online work, is to visit with a local, licensed car insurance agent. An agent will be able to assess your family's needs and show you a number of comparable polices with varying cost and coverage levels. Reply! can help you and your family by linking you to car insurance agents near you with plenty of experience in helping families get all the car insurance coverage they can afford.