Friday, November 28, 2008

Get Why Compare Car Insurance

By Susan Renolds

Responsible drivers understand the need for car insurance. But if you're gong to be responsible, then be smart too. Car insurance cover can be expensive, so it's best to do all you can to keep your premiums low without sacrificing necessary cover. Before you sign up for a policy, review these tips for finding the right policy at the right price.

The best way to find the right policy is the shop around. Compare insurance quotes from at least three companies, or you can get a broker to do it for you. And don't just look at price. Cheapest is not necessarily best. Be sure the policy offers the cover you need at a price you can afford.

Business use of your vehicle will result in higher monthly premiums, so if at all possible, insure your car for private purposes only. If you must use your car for business purposes, try to limit it to occasional use.

Avoiding accidents avoids higher premiums. Safe drivers are usually rewarded with lower premiums or discounts from their insurers. If you have a history of being claim-free, ask your insurer for a discount or shop for a better premium with a new carrier.

Most insurers will discount your premium if you increase your excess amount on your vehicle. Just be sure that you can afford the pay the excess in the event of an accident.

When you shop for a car, keep your insurance premium budget in mind. High performance vehicles are seen as a greater risk, and therefore have higher premiums. Expensive cars are also more costly to insure because of the cost of replacement parts.

Check to see if the insurer offers discounts for security measures. If so, upgrade by installing anti-highjack devices, gearlocks or tracking devices in your vehicle. Usually, if the level of security is higher than the insurance company requires, you will receive a discount.

Location is important for more than real estate. If you live in a high-crime area, your premiums will reflect the increased risk that your vehicle could be stolen or highjacked with higher rates.

Also, a vehicle parked on the street overnight is at higher risk of being stolen or vandalized than one parked in a locked garage. See if your insurer will give you a discount for parking your car in a garage or behind locked gates over night.

Limit the number of people allowed to drive your car. The fewer people you authorize to drive your car the easier it will be for the insurance company to calculate their risk.

Don't accept the first offer an insurance company gives you. Most insurance companies are flexible with their premiums. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount or additional cover at no additional cost. If the company really wants your business, they will work to accommodate you.

Resources for finding car insurance abound. In fact, you can be overwhelmed by the choices available. Remember to keep your head and keep the above points in mind.

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