Rabu, 14 April 2010

Shopping for Texas Auto Insurance

Texans who wish to operate their automobile legally within the state are required to follow the state’s Financial Responsibility law and most motorists choose to do so by purchasing a car insurance policy. Residents of the Lone Star State should be aware that the approach taking as they shop will play a big impact on the rates that they will end up paying for coverage and being a smart shopper will definitely pay off. Taking some time to understand the ins and outs of automobile policies, the way rates are calculated and how to reduce premiums can save a significant amount of money in the long run.

Shopping for vehicle protection should not be taken lightly since it is an important product and choosing the wrong options can end up costing consumers money in two ways; either out of pocket following a loss because they are underinsured or paying too much in premiums because they have become over insured. There are many factors that will determine what a person will pay for Texas auto insurance policies and understanding what type of protection is needed and what may be left off of a policy can help motorists ensure that they are properly insured and paying the right amount in premiums for them specifically since every driver’s situation is unique.
How to Shop for Car Insurance in TX

The first step to shopping for auto insurance in Texas is to determine the amount of coverage needed and in some cases, wanted. Many individuals choose to purchase basic liability policies in the amount of the state’s required minimums, but is always wise to see whether additional protection is needed or not; although the main goal of getting insured is to be properly protected, becoming over insured can just result in a waste of money.

The most common addition to a policy is comprehensive and collision which covers the policyholder’s vehicle in the event that it sustains physical damage; individuals who own expensive vehicles may want to consider purchasing this add on to avoid having to cover a loss out of pocket and those who are financing an automobile may be required to carry this coverage by their lender. For those who own a vehicle of insignificant value paying for this protection can be wasteful since the premium along with the deductible may end up costing more than car’s worth and they may not receive compensation for the loss.

Once desired and/or need coverage is determined consumers should begin comparison shopping based on the type of policy that is needed; when comparing rates from companies it is very important to compare quotes based on the same levels of protection to ensure that a proper comparison is being conducted. Quote comparisons are vital because the prices that one company will charge can be much different than what another will charge. In addition, when obtaining quotations be sure to ask about any discounts that are available. Some companies offer discounts that others do not and some can save a substantial amount of money off of premiums.

Obtaining the proper automobile policy in TX basically comes down to understanding how much coverage is needed, shopping around and shopping smart. The Texas Department of Insurance also offers a useful guide to assist residents when looking to purchase vehicle policies.

Minggu, 11 April 2010

How To Lower Car Insurance Quotes

It definitely pays to find ways and tips on stretching your money, especially during these economically troubled times. The good news is, there are just so many possibilities to lower costs of living, if only you know where to look. One of the easiest ways to save up more is by knowing how to lower the insurance premiums you pay on your car. So if you are looking for ways to lower car insurance quotes, here are some of the tips to help you out:

1. Drop what you don’t need. Know exactly what types of coverage are included in the car insurance quotes that are given to you. Depending on your situation, there may be some parts of it that are unnecessary – for example, you could choose to drop the collision insurance if your car is more than 5 years old, and if you have a good track record on driving. You could also do away with the offered maximum life and disability insurance if you already have insurance that covers this adequately; or roadside assistance that is already generally offered by your credit card company.
2. Avoid buying trendy cars. Part of the consideration that insurance companies have in determining insurance rates is the type of car that you are insuring. They have records on what particular car makes and models are most prone to accidents and thievery, and these cars are usually sports cars and other flashy cars. So stick to practical and reliable family cars – this is really more beneficial, all factors considered.
3. Keep a good driving record. Insurance companies would also look into your driving record, to see how high of a risk you are in terms of driving accidents. For example, you may get lower insurance quotes if you haven’t had any violations in three years, or if you have low mileage per year on your car. There are other discounts that you could inquire about: if you are a student, you could benefit from discounts by getting good grades; or you could get lower rates if you are a loyal customer.



4. Have safety gear installed in your car. Safety and anti-thievery gear will show that you are a responsible driver, plus they’re really important for your and your passengers’ protection and your peace of mind. Some of the safety tools you could have installed include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and alarm systems.
5. Opt for higher deductibles. What is a deductible? This is the amount of money that you yourself will shell out in the event of an auto emergency. Higher deductibles means lower premiums that would have to pay up monthly. A good idea here is to set aside whatever you save on your monthly premiums, so you could have funds for your deductible in case of an emergency.
6. Know the other factors that affect insurance rates. Other factors that affect insurance rates include the state you’re in, your profession, your age, how far you usually drive (for example, if you regularly commute long distances or if you carpool to work) and your age.

There you have it! These are some handy tips that could definitely help you out if you are looking to lower your car insurance quotes. Remember, it pays to do comparison shopping between different insurance companies, to make sure you get the best deals available. Good luck!