Online Car Insurance Quotes - Simplify The Process

May 2
10:38

2011

Ed Harris

Ed Harris

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Online car insurance quotes are easy to get. You just need to know how to make them lower your rates.

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Shopping for car insurance is  not a pleasant experience. It’s right up there with having a root canal and hurriedly completing your federal tax return on April 14th. But when you shop for auto insurance the right way,Online Car Insurance Quotes - Simplify The Process Articles you’ll potentially save hundreds of dollars each year (or more) and better understand what causes your rates to rise.

 

Getting car insurance quotes online is probably the easiest way to accurately compare multiple prices from different companies. You can choose the type of deductible you would like and various liability limits. You can also view rates for many different cars if you are contemplating purchasing or trading for a different vehicle. Quite simply, there is no limit on how many scenarios you create when viewing your options.

 

When visiting a website, it is important to consider the appearance and organization of the information. There should be multiple articles and resource information that provides specific information about the state where you live. Thus, if you live in Virginia, much of the content should be geared towards helping you find the best car insurance rates in Virginia, not reading about homeowners insurance quotes in Illinois!

 

Just as importantly, when shopping for a specific type of coverage, you should easily be able to obtain specific rates from top companies like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Nationwide and a few others. Typically, by entering your zip code, often you will be presented with these options. But most of the information of the website should be focused on your specific state. Often, the state’s name will appear in the URL (web address).

 

If you currently have insurance on your vehicles, you will want to maintain or increase the existing liability limits that you have. Common coverage is $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence and an additional $50,000 or $100,000 of property damage benefits. Lower amounts are not uncommon, but when comparing, it’s important to ensure the same limits are used for the quote. While lowering your liability limits will reduce your premium, you also risk becoming liable for more money than your policy covers. Also, for example, Connecticut car insurance limits will be different than Texas limits and vice versa.

 

Online auto insurance rate websites will also allow you to easily view higher deductibles on your comprehensive and collision coverages. Occasionally, a particular carrier may specialize in a specific deductible ($500 for example). If might be possible that two different companies will offer similar rates except when quoting a particular deductible. So it is advisable to compare multiple deductible options when viewing your options.

 

However, it’s important to consider all of the ramifications of changing your deductible. While the rate will reduce when you increase the deductible, unless your savings is at least a few hundred dollars per year, it may not be worth it. Also, a higher deductible increases the potential out-of-pocket expense that will have to be quickly paid. And multiple at-fault accidents could wreak havoc on a family budget.

 

When the shopping process is over, you’ll not only breathe a sigh of relief, but you’ll know that you are paying a competitive rate and will have a better understanding of your auto insurance policy. Of course…don’t relax yet! The process will begin again in a few years when it’s time to review your premium and coverages again. But you’ll be much better prepared and you’ll also complete your research much quicker.