Car Insurance -- Things You Need To Understand

Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company. Under the contract, if your car meets with an accident, the insurance company must pay for the losses. Paying the premium is your obligation under the contract.

Car insurance covers property, liability and medical coverage. In case of damage to or theft of your car, property coverage will pay for the losses. If you car causes bodily injury or property damage, the liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility.

The medical coverage will pay for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

Majority of the car insurance policies are valid for six months to a year. When the validity is over, you must renew the policy.

All states require you to have some form of car insurance if you own or operate a car.

Insurance Quote

The penalty for driving a car without insurance is different in different states. In some states, your car will be impounded. There are heavy fines in some states. You could be in serious trouble if you car is involved in an accident without insurance. You will be financially responsible for paying for any injuries or damages out of your own pocket.

The insurance company will consider your credit history, the age and type of your car before offering you a rate.

You are responsible for providing insurance for any car you own regardless of who is operating the car. Your car will be operating illegally if it does not have insurance.

Finally, a few savings tips...

1. Although this may sound funny, you can bring down your rates by getting married. I know you won't get married just for this but when you do, it will save you a bit in auto insurance. There is evidence to show that married people are a lot more stable than their unmarried counterparts. This makes them more careful on the road and, therefore, a better risk to insurers. They generally file fewer claims and when they do, they usually cost less.

Budget Car Insurance

2. If you want to keep your rates down, do NOT "pimp your ride." Doing such reduces your car's safety and, therefore, warrants higher rates as far as the insurer is concerned.

3. Do you know that some folks are paying much more in auto insurance because of where their homes are? Also note that a neighbor not too far away might fall under a lower crime zone than you -- This affects rates.

So check with your agent before you commit to a new home. This doesn't come readily to mind when you're shopping for a new home. Does it?

Remember, you might live in this home for up to 20 years or more. If its location makes you pay up to $200 more in premium, that will add up to $4,000 within that time frame.

4. If you must quickly get something inside, turn your car off, lock up and pocket your keys. Don't leave your car unlocked and running. The only easier thing for a thief would be if you handed over your keys as a gift. Every thief checks how easy a target is before making a move. It certainly doesn't get easier for a thief than an unlocked car with a running engine.

Affordable Auto Insurance

5. An alternative for you is to use your parents' car insurance policy. If you are of driving age, then your parents certainly are far above twenty five years which means they are better risk drivers.

You have to bear in mind, though, that the car must be registered in their name and you must be living with them if you want to use this option. If you do not like the idea of giving the car's ownership to them and other stuff that may be attached to that, then you'll have to forego this alternative.

6. Take out some time to visit a minimum of 5 insurance quotes sites that offer quotes on California auto insurance policies. It will take you around 25 minutes.

While you visit each site, ensure you input the same details. Doing otherwise will return misleading quotes. When you've obtained your auto insurance quotes, compare them to see which serves your interest best in price/value.
Get Auto Insurance Quotes In Minutes
Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes