Finding the right insurer and policy will help you save money and offer you peace of mind should you ever get in an auto accident. We all think about the different ways we can save money on our auto insurance, but seldom do we consider the salience of customer satisfaction. Both of these things are equally important. Your first step is to find a reputable insurer like 21st Insurance where you can get an online quote. But don’t stop there; call a representative and determine if you are eligible for any additional discounts. Also, test the waters and try to get a good feel as to how helpful and knowledgeable the customer service representative is.
How much insurance do I need?
The law requires you to have car insurance. In fact, most car dealerships wont even let you drive off the lot in your new vehicle unless you provide proof of insurance. Car insurance policies can be very expensive. This is why finding the right coverage to meet your needs is vital to saving you money.
Liability
The law requires everyone to have liability insurance at the legal minimum. You have the option to buy additional liability coverage, and there are a few circumstances in which you may want to. According to theDepartment of Motor Vehicles, when deciding if you should buy more than your state’s required liability insurance amounts, you should see is your state’s actual required minimum levels are below the national average. If this is the case, you may want to consider additional coverage. The DMV states on their website that Florida, for example, only requires a car insurance policy of $10,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $20,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. A $10,000 limit for bodily injury is especially low. Consequently, if an injured person’s medical bill totaled $32,000, you would, after the $10,000 limit, be required to pay the remaining $22,000.
Collision VS comprehensive
If you get in an accident in which you are found at fault and you don’t have collision coverage, you will have a hefty repair bill on hand. All it can take is one accident to wreck your car and throw a repair bill in your face that you can’t afford. In some cases, people have been known to lose their jobs because they couldn’t afford to repair their vehicle. Collision insurance will cover you in the event you get in a car accident, and just knowing you have this protection may offer you some peace of mind.
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance not only covers you in a car accident, but it will also cover you in the event of vandalism, or freak accidents such as a tree falling on your car or flooding. It even protects your car from theft. So if you own an Escalade (the number one most stolen vehicle) and you live in a place where hurricanes are common, you may want to get comprehensive insurance. On the other hand, if you live in a place free of natural disasters, you drive a Prius (not likely to be stolen) and you live in an area with extremely low crime rates, then collision insurance may meet your maximum needs.
Knowing when to say when
Having more insurance than you need is a sure way to waste your money. However, not having enough may have devastating consequences. Do your research and determine what amount you need. Then contact an experienced auto insurance customer service representative and ask for their opinion regarding when to say when on car insurance. Also, ask the representative if you qualify for additional discounts. Good luck, and drive safely!