What to look for when you’re shopping for coverage Auto Insurance IN THIS ARTICLE Types and amount of coverage Price and deductibles Evaluating insurance companies SHARE THIS DOWNLOAD TO PDF SPONSORED BY Once you have a clear picture of how you use your car and your priorities, you’re ready to shop for insurance. Generally, it’s a good idea to compare policies from at least three different insurers. You’ll want to consider fundamental factors such as coverage and price, but it’s also worth evaluating prospective insurers as well. The following are the most important factors to consider. Types and amount of coverage Try to compare apples to apples when choosing your insurance policy. All of the policies that you review should have the same types and amount of coverage. It is difficult to compare policies, for instance, if one provides $50,000 in property damage liability coverage, another only $30,000, and a third $100,000. Coverages that you’ll want to consider, though some are optional, include: Primary liability—including bodily injury and property damage coverage Medical payment coverage Uninsured motorist coverage Collision Comprehensive The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone or both. But to make the best decisions about purchasing other types of auto insurance coverage you might need, you’ll want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you’ll also want to consider coverage amounts. Why? Because state-required minimums may not cover the costs of a serious accident, so it’s worth considering purchasing higher levels of coverage. Here’s a rundown of the types of coverage available—some are required; others are optional; all are priced individually (a la carte) to let you customize coverage amounts to suit your exact needs and budget. Mandatory coverage
Nearly every state requires car owners to carry the following auto liability coverage: Bodily Injury Liability — This covers costs associated with injuries and death that you or another driver causes while driving your car. Check prospective policies too for secondary options that could prove beneficial, such as glass coverage—which often comes without a deductible—or reimbursement for a rental car. Price and deductibles Naturally, when you compare insurance policies, cost will be a top consideration. You may be surprised by how much prices vary, so you’ll want to get several quotes. In addition to the price of the premium—the actual cost of the policy—look at the payment schedule. Will you incur an extra fee if you pay monthly? Can you get a discount if you pay for a full year all at once? When you compare prices, be aware of the amount of the deductible—how much you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Generally, you can lower your premium if you opt for a higher deductible. Evaluating insurance companies While price and coverage may be deciding factors when you purchase auto insurance, it’s worth considering the reputation and financial stability of prospective insurance providers as well. First, double-check that an insurer is licensed in your state by visiting the website of your state’s insurance division—where you can also review information about consumer complaints filed against insurance companies. In addition, you can check review websites and talk to friends about their experiences with insurers. Finally, take a few minutes to make sure prospective insurers are in good financial standing. Financial ratings agencies will provide this information. Online tools will often provide ratings information as well.
