If you’ve ever searched for auto insurance online you know that there are many options available. For some, the more options – the better; for others, it can all be overwhelming. To simplify the entire process, you first need to have an idea of how insurance rates are determined and what factors play a role in your specific state. You can then get a quick car insurance quote online and determine if it’s right for you.
The first place to start, if you already haven’t done so, is to check your state’s requirements. Know the minimum amount of coverage you need and decide if it’s enough. If you have an older vehicle and have a good driving record, it might very well be. However, if it’s a newer model and/or you have somebody else you’re adding to your policy who might not be a responsible driver, such as your spouse or teenager, you’ll probably need collision or comprehensive coverage.
Put some thought into the deductible. If you have enough money set aside in emergency savings, or at least have a stable job and have confidence that you’ll be financially secure for at least a few years, you might be able to opt for a higher deductible in order to save on the premium on your auto insurance payment. Having this knowledge in mind will make it easier for you to get a quick car insurance quote and evaluate it.
Another thing to factor in is the cost of no-fault insurance VS at-fault insurance and the higher premiums associated with it. On average, if you are found to be at-fault for any kind of damage caused by your vehicle, your premium will raise an average of $750 – $800 per year over the next three years as the penalty. Would it be better for you to have no-fault insurance, even though your average cost for coverage will be higher?
Like it or not, your credit score is going to be something else auto insurance companies factor in when estimating a quote for you. In general, anything under 580 is considered poor, 580 – 669 is considered fair, 670 – 739 is considered good, and anything above 740 is considered very good or great. If you have a poor or just “fair” credit score, then try to get discounts wherever you can for the time being, or work on improving your score. Keep in mind that it can take from 6 to 12 months to start seeing an improvement on your credit report.
Now you hopefully know how to get a quick car insurance quote and evaluate whether or not it’s right for you. Once again, there are always discounts to check out – especially if you get your quotes from esurance. It offers quick quote and plenty of helpful discounts.