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Multiple Car Loan Quotes
Using the internet is one of the best way to get multiple quotes
from car insurance companies.
Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one
from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline
broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet.
Cheapest might not mean the best. Will they pay
out if you make a claim? How financially secure? How reputable?
Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.
Different type of car
Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $100k
sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout.
If you're planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before
you buy to see what you can afford.
Age and Value of Car
Maybe you're buying a used car ? Maybe your car saw better days
a few years ago, and now values much lower ? So why pay for high-priced
auto insurance ? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive
coverage.
A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium
by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you're
quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you
may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you
drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big
savings.
Higher deductibles (excess charges)
Most auto insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost
down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before
your auto insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with
different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.
Usually, the higher the detuctibles, the lower the cost of the
insurance premium.
Most internet quote forms contain a box where
you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker
his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible
can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and
you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you
need to make a claim !
Multiple Insurances
I guess this might come under the 'Get Multiple Quotes' heading,
but it's still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an
insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer.
This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner
and auto insurance. Either way it's worth asking about multi-policy
discounts.
Low Mileage
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business
trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but
car pool ?
Either way, look for low mileage discounts.
Good Driving Record
A good driving record always reduces your auto insurance costs.
Keep a clean drivers license. Don't speed, don't drive dangerously,
and you'll save money (apart from other benefits !)
Bonus Tip
Here are some bonus tips to lower your insurance cost - Fit anti-theft
devices to your car. Go on an advanced driver training course.
Use daytime running lights. If you're a college student away from
home, consider adding to parents policy.
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