How to Find the Right Car Insurance For You

We live in a world of uncertainty, and every time you get behind the wheel of your car, you are at risk of being involved in an accident, even if you're a cautious driver. This is why car insurance is a legal requirement in most states. Even if it weren't, why run the risk of losing one of your most valuable assets, or even racking up medical bills in the event that you get injured while driving? There is no such thing as a risk-free life, but you can, and should, do your best to mitigate these risks. So, whether this is your first time shopping for car insurance, or if you are a veteran who is looking to reduce the cost of their car insurance, here is everything you need to know.

What car insurance is, just like any other form of insurance, is an agreement between you and an insurance agency: you promise to pay a monthly premium regardless of whether or not damages are incurred and, in turn, the provider promises to assist you with the much higher costs that go along with a crash, if it happens. This may seem like a waste of money if you are never actually involved in an accident, but a single serious incident can easily offset months, or even years, of payments. By paying a little bit each month, when you can afford it, you will be covered in the event that you have to make a massive payment when you can't afford it.

Following on from the what is the why. The simple answer is that, in most cases, any driver is legally required to be insured. However, the benefits of car insurance for drivers, both new and old, are undeniable. Most people don't have thousands of dollars just lying around to pay for the extensive repairs and/or medical bills that go along with a serious accident - this goes not just for your own car and bills, but for someone else's too, if you are financially liable. Even a minor fender bender can end up costing you a lot more than you may expect. Depending on the level of coverage, and how you set up your deductibles, you can get a high enough payout that will cover you comprehensively to repair, or replace, your vehicle should the need arise.

Still, there is a lot more that goes into calculating your car insurance coverage than simply signing a few papers thrust in front of you by a broker. Exactly how much your car insurance will pay out depends on your package. This is to say that there are many different types of car insurance and you need to pick and choose between the ones that are most relevant to you. Here are some of the most common categories:

• Liability Cover: If you are at fault for a collision, this will pay out for any damages to property, vehicles, or other drivers/passengers involved.
• Collision Coverage: Unlike liability plans, this is a more extensive policy that protects your vehicle even if you are responsible for an accident and will help to repair or replace your vehicle, should it be needed.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This pertains to protecting against any damage to your car from things outside of your control, such as hijacking or theft, falling obstacles, vandalism, broken glass, and the like. A deductible, which is an out-of-pocket payment, is required for a claim.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: If another driver is responsible for an accident involving your car, but they do not have sufficient insurance to pay for the damages, your provider will cover the difference.
• Medical Payment Coverage: A requirement in some states, this is to ensure any medical bills incurred due to an accident can be paid for.
• Personal Injury Protection: Similar to the above package, this ensures that any additional costs, such as loss of income or child care costs, will be taken care of by your provider.

Additional options include:

• Auto-glass insurance
• Car towing coverage
• Gap insurance
• Car rental insurance

If you're shopping for cheap car insurance, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Here are some tips to consider when you are looking to insure a new car:

1. You can ensure you will be spending less on your premium before you even own your vehicle by looking to buy something cheap. It is only natural that more expensive cars cost more to fix, which means higher payouts by the provider in the event of a crash. The same is true for insurance prices for new cars. This, in turn, leads to higher payments by the owner/driver.
2. In conjunction with the aforementioned point, set your budget carefully. Knowing how much extra money you have left over after your monthly car payments will help you determine the kind of coverage you can afford. Subsequently, if you take out a loan to finance the vehicle, you will most likely be required to also add a certain degree of collision and comprehensive coverage.
3. You can lower your monthly premiums by opting for a higher deductible. This is the amount you are required to pay out in the event of an accident before your insurer will authorize the provision of coverage. This is a delicate balancing act, because while you might be saving on a monthly basis, you will end up paying out a lot more if you get into several accidents in a short time frame.
4. Your risk profile and credit score can affect the overall price of your premium. By driving safely and responsibly, and using the same philosophy in your spending habits, you show insurers that you are not a liability, so they feel confident putting their faith in you with lower premiums. Age plays a part here, too, with both younger drivers and seniors being seen as higher risks.
5. Don't be afraid to play the field. Just as an agent shops around for the best price, so too can you. Performing a comparison of multiple car insurances for the best rates, is only natural, and you can leverage your research to negotiate a better deal. Look around online to see what everyone is offering, and don't be afraid to make a phone call or two and haggle for a better price before seeing what the competition has to offer.

Unfortunately, most car owners and road users will find themselves in a position where they have damage to their vehicle, for any one of a myriad reasons. Whether you've been in a small scrape with the curb, hit a pothole, been the victim of hijacking or theft, or had someone skip a traffic light and plow into you, one of the first things to do after an accident is to report to your insurance. This will ensure you are able to get back on the road again as soon as possible, without too much disruption to your life. Make sure you follow these guidelines to get the right cover for you.