We all would love to save some few bucks now and then. This is why shopping for car insurance is necessary because you will be able to compare different car insurance rates. When you embark on the search journey, you will realize that many companies will give you different rates that may confuse you. Some companies give the insurance depending on the type of the vehicle, the age of the driver or even the families. The bottom line is that they are selling and are looking for clients.
However, here is a guide to help you make the best decisions when comparing car insurance rates. First let us understand the different types of insurance covers and then we look at how to compare the insurance rates.
Insurance covers
- Comprehensive Cover. This insures your vehicle from any form of damage rather than accident. Agents who are good will advise on which one to take it. But if the car is new, they are the right ones to take because they are not cost effective for older cars.
- Collision covers. These cover those cars that are involved in an accident. Again not cost effective for older cars thus suitable for people who have new cars.
- Liability Covers. If your car is involved in an accident, one may need money for court cases. This is the ideal cover to help you pursue such cases.
- -Uninsured persons cover. In case your car is damaged by people who don’t have any insurance cover this package helps because it covers for the repair costs.
How to compare the rates
- Look at the insurance track record
You can understand the track record of an insurance company from customers review. Customers will always leave a good review if the insurance company is offering good services. Again, when you log in to most insurance companies, you will be able to access buyers guide. This will enable you gauge what insurance you should opt to buy. In most cases, the best insurance companies always have a conclusive list of the best companies.
Check if the insurance company has the insurance guaranty fund. This is important because in cases that the insurance stop its operation, the guaranty fund will cater for some of the claims. Again, it is important to look out for the insurance A.M. to have an idea if the insurance company is financially solvent. If it has you are sure if you make a claim when need arises, you can be paid.
All in all, this sums to two basic things. If you are looking for a good auto insurance company ensure there prices are friendly and they have a good claims service. The company with the low number of clients’ complaints plus low prices is always the best choice.
- Look out for discounts
Once you are satisfied the ratings are good, it is time to look out for discounts. There are many discounts that you can look out for. Some of these are; Anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes, good grades, a good driving record and such things. Make sure you ask the car insurance company which discounts they offer. This way you will be able to compare the lowest or the fairest rates that are affordable.
Another way of getting the best is to raise insurance deductible especially on collisions and comprehensive coverage. This is a sure way to ensure that you reduce premiums.
- Buy the insurance coverage that you need
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Avoid buying what you don’t need to lower the cost of insurance. If you are having an old car for example, avoid collision insurance because it not necessary. Again, if you have a health insurance, why do you need personal injury insurance? In case of any accidents and such things, you can always use your health insurance to cover the expenses. So while choosing the best insurance, make sure you shop for the right coverage to avoid spending a lot of money.
- Compare complaint ratio
The best way to compare complaint ration is to choose like five insurance companies in order to have an accurate fact. The best place to check the complaint is on National Association Insurance Commissioners website. They have stated the companies that have the highest numbers of complaints and by just typing the insurance name, you will get a list of them. Make sure you check the latest car insurance complaints. Avoid such companies and opt to work with the ones with excellent customer service.
Another thing to note is that when a company is large, their complaints ratio may be a bit higher because of the customer’s size. To ensure you get the right comparison, take the company’s complaint ratio number with the national median that is provided. This will help in reviewing the complaint report and its trend thus you are able to gauge whether the complaints are going up or down
- Do a comparison on auto insurance coverage
In case your car is in repair or some parts are stolen, there are some insurance companies that offer optional coverage. They also offer rental coverage while your care is being repaired. If you think you need it this kind of insurance, it is good to take it to cover such occurrences.
But again, if the insurance company is offering the optional coverage with a reasonable price or at the same price with the company’s policy, just consider having it. It can save you when you least expect.
Conclusion
It is always good to shop for your car insurance. This will give you a clear guideline on what to look out while insuring your car. There are so many companies available in the market and with a clear search you are sure of getting the best rates. While doing the research, don’t only look out for the bigger companies that are well known. Look out for the upcoming companies and you will be surprised to note that they offer good services too.