Saturday, December 22, 2007

Save Money with these Online Auto Insurance Tips

Auto insurance is a necessity for anyone who owns a car, but it can also be affordable. You can save money and receive great coverage by comparing online auto insurance quotes and by meeting certain criteria. Let's explore some ways to keep your auto insurance premiums to a minimum.

Keep a Clean Driving Record

With a clean driving record that is absent of speeding tickets, accidents, and traffic violations, you can usually obtain much cheaper auto insurance quotes. Online auto insurance companies are no different than other companies when it comes to your driving record. They will consider whether you're a safe driver or if you take unnecessary risks while driving. Each time you get a speeding ticket, there's a possibility of scarring your driving record with unwanted points. So whenever you're tempted to exceed the speed limit, think ahead to the additional insurance premium you might be required to pay for several years to come.

Choose a Low-Risk Automobile

The type of automobile you choose can also raise or lower car insurance quotes. Choose a vehicle that's not classified as a sports car for a lower premium. Sports cars are usually considered to be high-risk cars because owners tend to drive them a little faster. Other factors of an automobile that can affect auto insurance quotes include the theft protection or safety equipment that's built into your car, and other features of your car such as anti-lock brakes and airbags. The age of the driver is also a major factor.

With high-end automobiles, insurance coverage is often higher because repairs and parts are more expensive for these cars. For example, online auto insurance quotes for a Porsche or BMW will likely be higher than those for a Chevrolet or Ford.

Opt for a Higher Deductible

Another way to lower your online auto insurance premium is to opt for a higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you're willing to pay out of pocket for repairs before your insurance coverage becomes effective. Insurance companies offer lower premiums when you're willing to pay more out of pocket to save them the hassle and expense of minor repairs. Deductibles can range from $250, $500, $1,000, to $1,500 or more depending on what you're willing to pay out of pocket.

Insurance Companies and Credit Scores

Good credit can also encourage lower premiums for car insurance online. Though insurance is not given on credit, nor does it affect your credit rating, insurance companies do often consider credit scores to determine premiums. If you pay other bills on time, the company can assume you will make your premium payments on time as well. They may reward you with lower premiums for having a good credit record.

Whether you meet all these criteria or not, you can still go on the Web and comparison shop for very affordable auto insurance online. There are some helpful websites that will give you quotes from multiple insurance companies so you can compare quotes and policies in just minutes.

Use these tips to save money on your online auto insurance and to obtain maximum coverage for your automobile.

No comments:

Finance Information