The most important decision you can ever take after buying a vehicle is to choose the right auto insurance policy to protect your investment. There are several different types of insurance coverage to choose from. In addition to the type of insurance, you should also determine if you are eligible for any discounts. Insurance companies understand that their clients work hard for their money. Offering discounts and reducing premiums is just one way they show them how much they appreciate your business.
That said, here are a few important factors to keep in mind when shopping for auto insurance:
1. Type of Coverage Needed
The three main types of auto insurance coverage are comprehensive, collision, and PL/PD (personal liability and property damage).
A comprehensive cover is required when a vehicle still has a lien or loan attached to the title. It covers theft, collision, injuries, and many other types of damage.
Collision covers extend only to the damage caused by an accident while PL/PD covers third-party parties’ injuries and damages. Most states now require that drivers carry at least PL/PD for their vehicles to be legal while on the road.
2. Advantage of Safe Driving Discounts
Most insurance companies offer safe driving discounts for individuals who have not had any accidents or tickets. Drivers can also earn a safe driving discount if they sign up for and pass a defensive driving course. These classes are now taught online and will earn the driver a small discount if they pass the driving test. The driver not only gets a break on the insurance premium but may even learn a thing or two that he had forgotten over the years.
3. Discounts Available for Multiple Cars Owned
Families that have two or more vehicles may be able to sign up for a multi-car discount. This is extremely beneficial if there are three or more drivers in the same household. Insuring all of the drivers and vehicles under one policy reduces the administrative work required to maintain the policy and makes it more convenient. All of the information is available in one place, and only one payment has to be made each month or year to keep the policy in good standing.
4. Bundling up Homeowners and Auto Insurance
In addition to the multi-car policies, it’s also beneficial to bundle up your homeowners and auto policies. Many homeowners choose to bundle their policies together for reasons related to greater convenience, and increased affordability—planning and budgeting for a single insurance policy is far more comfortable than handling multiple policies. Insurance agents also find it more convenient, especially when it is time for a review. Everything can be set in order at once, and adjustments can be made in a short period.
These are just some of the factors you should consider when shopping for auto insurance. Contact the experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services, in Thousand Oaks, California to get the best coverage for your needs.
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