Finding Low Cost Auto Insurance
Finding low cost auto insurance in Virginia is now easier than it has ever been. You no longer have to deal with high-pressure salespeople or tolerate an insurance salesperson coming over to visit. Almost all the work necessary to obtain an auto insurance policy can be done over the internet.
Finding auto insurance is easy, but finding auto insurance that meets your state's minimum requirements, protects you and your family from financial disaster, and still meets your budget is often not that easy. There are many things to keep in mind when determining what type of insurance you need and can afford.
Auto insurance can be “low cost” because it offers few benefits. In most cases, the most low cost of all insurance is what is considered the state minimum requirement. This type of insurance generally protects others against you, but you will not necessarily be covered should anything happen to you or your car. It is illegal to drive without this level of coverage, so make sure your coverage measures up to the state requirement, at the very least.
- Some insurance is “low cost” because the company wants to prevent you from ever making a claim. They do this by imposing high deductibles. For example, if your deductible on your insurance is $1,000, it is highly unlikely that you will ever make a claim unless your car is severely damaged. Of course, this coverage does you no good if you have a damaged window or fender that costs you $900 to fix.
- Some insurance companies are genuinely “low cost” because of who you are, what you drive, and what you do. All insurance companies base their prices on a stew of facts, figures, and judgments. Your credit rating, your age, your gender, your marital status, and your education all help to determine whether you will receive low cost auto insurance or not. The car you drive, where it is parked, the zip code in which you live, and the number of claims you have had in the past all are also considered.
- You can help to keep your rates low by driving safely, challenging all tickets in court, and keeping your mileage down. The more you drive, the higher your insurance rate will be.
- Many insurance companies will give you a discounted rate if you take a “Safe Driver” course. Some of the larger insurance companies offer these courses, or you may take one at a local community college or driving school. Remember, the safer you are as a driver, the lower your rate will be.
When all else fails, as your insurance company for a discount, shop around for better prices, or buy a car that is cheaper to insure. If you are unsure what facts about you, your car, or your driving are keeping you from getting cheaper rates, ask your insurance company.