Getting your car insured may be tricky. Of course you want to know that no matter what happens your vehicle will be taken care of. At the same time, you donít want to run yourself bankrupt either.
As insurance payments may be costly, here are a few ways to make sure you get the best deal.
This may sound obvious but the first step to getting low auto insurance rates is by being a good driver. If you have access to driving school, try to enroll and finish the course. Also, drive safely and abide by the laws. This way, you can avoid getting driving tickets. If you are an educated driver or if you prove to be responsible, the insurance company will see that they run no great risk in providing you with insurance. They will then consider lowering your rates. If you are a poor driver and you have a lot of accidents in your record, the company will see you as a blatant risk so they may charge higher fees.
Second, get a good deal on the car itself. Remember, brand new cars, high-end cars and larger vehicles will consequently cost higher to insure. If you get a used car, you will probably spend less on your insurance. If you are not prepared to handle auto insurance fees along with your car payments, try to purchase a more affordable car.
Third, pay your vehicle in cash. If at all possible, pay your car in full or in cash. If you borrow from a lender, the lending company normally forces you to get auto insurance with extensive coverage. This will cost you more money. If you pay the car in cash, you can just get a basic insurance package that meets your basic needs.
Fourth, check the available discounts. There are special discounts for drivers who went to driving school and have been certified. Cars with extra safety features also get lower premium rates. Auto Insurance companies offer various discounts, so find out which ones apply to you.
Fifth, pay a higher deductible. When you get into a car accident, you normally have to pay a certain amount of cash before your insurance pays for the rest. The cash you pay is the deductible. Although your initial instinct is to get the lowest deductible, this may not be a great idea. The higher the deductible you pay, the lower your insurance premium. In the long run, paying a higher deductible will save you more money. The idea, of course, is to drive safely and avoid accidents. This way, you never have to spend any money on your deductible.
Lastly, shop around. Get to know the various insurance companies and see what deals you can get. Check the websites, go to the offices. As a starter, you can check the websites of popular insurance companies like AIG, The General, State Farm and many others. Find out what kind of packages are out there and see whatís best for you.