When buying auto insurance there are a few basic issues to keep in mind. First, you will want to determine what, if any minimum is already demanded of you by your state of residence, and how that minimum is to be distributed. In many instances the minimum will be met using a basic combination of collision and comprehensive coverage, and such bundles are commonly offered by insurers at roughly similar premiums.
If you choose such a bundle you will receive coverage that will address injury, damage, possibly personal injury, and basic issues such as theft and collision with living animals (a category often ignored by collision-only plans).
You will be offered a number of refinements, and will be able to pick between different providers and different plans, but the major issues involved in cost will have to do with your age, your car’s age, model, and make, your driving record, and your geographic region. These are among the primary actuarial elements insurers factor in when determining policy premiums.
When you have an idea what your own personal baseline premium will be, you are then in a position to determine if you want more extensive coverage. If, for example, you have work that depends on having safe, reliable transportation at all times it will be in your best interest to look into plans that cover loss-of-use, providing rental cars until you are either able to replace your car or have it repaired.
On the other hand if you walk everywhere, work from home, and can walk to the grocery store you may reasonably feel that your money is better invested in other necessities.
If you carry expensive possessions regularly, then you may need to get insurance to cover theft, loss, or damage of your private property. Loan/lease payoff can provide you with the cash to pay off a standing loan before having to take on a new one.
Lower down are liability plans: these are often what you need to provide the bare minimum required of you legally, and in some instances allow you room to cherry pick a small number of add-ons you want, but also tend to be fairly minimal when kept small, and fairly expensive when they are used too enthusiastically to pile up various benefits.
Look into the most commonly offered plans, get car insurance quotes, and compare and contrast. Keep in mind that after dealing with injury and damage to others and to your own health, insurance is about what you truly need in regards to protection of your vehicle. If you know you are a safe driver in a small community with little traffic, and you seldom drive, and own a low-value vehicle, then cheaper insurance plans may suit you perfectly.
If you own a premium make of a recent model, and often have to use your car in visible ways for professional reasons while driving in unsafe circumstances then your actual needs change radically. Think the entire thing through in light of need balanced against potential savings. If you do that you may succeed in answering the question, “How much auto insurance coverage do I need?”
Find out with some free auto insurance quotes below:
