Shopping around for new car insurance is one of the best ways to make sure you are getting the most coverage for the most competitive price. The good news is that it doesn't have to be difficult. By preparing before you start shopping around for quotes, you can make the process relatively quick and painless. The following guide will help.
Know your history
There are several different facets that affect the cost of your insurance. These include the following:
- Driving history
- Credit rating
- Age and gender
- Geographic region
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Insurance history
Generally, if you have good credit, a safe driving history, and live in an area with few claims, you will benefit from the lowest rates for your demographic and vehicle. Before calling for quotes, gather information on your driving history and print off a copy of your credit report. This way you will have the info available if the agent asks for it. Further, you can also make sure that nothing is showing on your record that shouldn't be there—mistakes do happen, after all. This will ensure you get the most accurate rate quote possible.
Prepare for possible discounts
Most people qualify for some discounts, so having the information available to check on this when seeking a quote is vital. For example, have report cards on hand for any drivers that happen to be students, since this information may be required for a student discount. If you have other policies you want to combine with your auto for a discount, such as a homeowner's policy, have the policy on hand so you can compare the different types of coverage and their cost. Good student, multiple policy packages, driver's training, and safety/anti-theft devices are the most common discounts available to most drivers.
Consider what options you want
Quotes from multiple providers are only useful if they are for similar products and coverage, and if the coverage is for what you specifically need. For this reason, you need to list all the options you want the policy to include. This includes policy levels and deductible amounts, as well as the following optional coverage items:
- Towing/rental car
- Roadside assistance
- Glass repair
- Increased comprehensive coverage
- Umbrella property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Increased medical coverage
By being prepared ahead of time, as well as making sure you are comparing the same insurance products across providers, you can make sure you get the best deal on the policy you need. Contact auto insurance companies like Nelson Insurance Agency for more help.
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