frequently
asked questions
How much auto insurance do I need?
Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance and also provide proof of insurance to register a vehicle or renew your license. In the case of an accident, the minimum liability insurance required by the state may not be enough coverage to pay for the damages that result after an accident. In this case, the driver responsible for the accident may have to pay additional expenses out of pocket. To determine how much auto insurance you need, consider:
- The value of your assets
- How and when you drive
- What you drive
- Who is in the car with you
How much auto insurance does my state require?
To ensure everyone on the road is covered in case of an accident, most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, or establish financial responsibility in some other way. Drivers must also have the ability to provide proof of insurance to register or renew a driver’s license. This is the case for cars, trucks, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
How can I compare auto insurance quotes?
Looking for auto insurance quotes can be confusing. When you get an auto insurance quote our providers will help you choose the amount of insurance that you determine to best fit your needs.
How do insurance companies assess my risk?
Insurance companies assess your risk by using a Risk Assessment Indicator, which is a numerical score based on credit report information. These Risk Assessment Indicators are highly predictive of future claim activities, helping insurance companies charge a rate that is appropriate for the risk of the insured individual.
What can I do to lower my auto insurance costs?
While there are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of your premium, there are some things you can do to help reduce it. The car you drive will greatly affect your premium. To lower your auto insurance costs, you may consider switching automobiles and driving a safer, slightly older or less valuable vehicle. The more your vehicle is worth, the more it can cost to insure it. If you don’t want to change cars, you can modify your vehicle to make it safer or lower-risk by adding anti-theft devices or features like anti-lock brakes. In addition, selecting a higher deductible and ensuring that your coverage doesn’t lapse may help you keep your auto insurance costs down.
If you don’t want to change or modify your car, you can also consider changing your driving habits. Your driving record is one of the most important factors considered when determining your premium. You can also try cutting down on the miles you drive or bundling other insurance policies with our providers to save you money.
If you don’t want to change or modify your car, you can also consider changing your driving habits. Your driving record is one of the most important factors considered when determining your premium. You can also try cutting down on the miles you drive or bundling other insurance policies with our providers to save you money.
How do I find the best auto insurance for me?
Deciding on an auto insurance policy can seem overwhelming. It is important to choose a company who can help match you with just the right coverage for you and your vehicle.
How do I find the lowest auto insurance rate for me?
To find the most affordable auto insurance policy for you, take the time to compare insurance providers to see who can save you the most money while providing you the most value. Many insurance companies combine low rates with discounts to provide lower premiums for young drivers. Companies may even offer a Good Student Discount to qualifying young drivers with good grades. And drivers who have multiple insurance policies with can save, as well.
Why do insurance companies use my prior insurance information?
Some insurance companies may review your history of insurance coverage with previous auto carriers to determine whether you qualify for coverage and others may use it to establish your premium or to determine whether you are eligible for discounts. This information also verifies whether you have had continuous auto liability insurance coverage and your prior liability coverage limits. Prior insurance information is often used to predict the likelihood of future accidents and coverage lapses.
What kinds of discounts are available for auto insurance?
Companies may offer a variety of discounts, including discounts for selected occupational groups (doctors, RNs, dentists, teachers, police, firefighters, etc.), homeowners, good students, teens with parents who have safe driving records, drivers who own cars with air bags, drivers who own two or more automobiles, and more.
What discounts are available in my state?
In addition to discounts based on your occupational group, whether you are a homeowner, a good student, own multiple vehicles or own a car with airbags, there is a wide range of auto insurance discounts you may qualify for depending on what state you live in.
What kind of discounts can I receive with multiple policies?
You can possibly save more money if you have multiple insurance policies. For instance, if you’re already purchasing auto insurance, you can get extra protection and save money with motorcycle insurance, home or renters insurance, life insurance, or recreational vehicle insurance.
Why do car insurance premiums change?
Auto insurance premiums change for the same reasons that the price of other goods and services you buy change.
Insurance companies incur the same costs you do in buying goods and services, and these costs can ultimately affect your insurance premium. Costs affecting the ultimate price of auto insurance include:
Insurance companies incur the same costs you do in buying goods and services, and these costs can ultimately affect your insurance premium. Costs affecting the ultimate price of auto insurance include:
- Medical costs to treat injuries
- Auto repair costs
- Costs to adjust claims
- Inflation
- Uninsured drivers (your policy pays when the other driver doesn’t have an auto insurance policy if you purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage)
Although insurance companies can’t directly control these costs. As they change, auto premiums must be adjusted. These costs can affect your auto insurance premium whether or not you individually have had an accident or claim.
Changes you make to your auto insurance policy or coverage may also change the premiums. Adding or removing a driver, buying a new car, moving to a new location or changing how you use your car may influence the cost of your auto insurance.
Why did my car insurance premium increase?
Most drivers know that tickets and accidents can raise your car insurance premium. But even if you haven’t been in an accident or received a ticket, there are other factors that can still affect the cost of your auto insurance.
Making a change to your policy can have an impact on your auto insurance rate. For instance, adding a driver will likely increase the cost of the policy, especially if the new driver is a teenager. Moving to a new residence may also affect the cost of your policy – depending on the rate of traffic accidents, thefts, and vandalism claims in your geographic area, this can affect your premium either negatively or positively. Your premium may also increase if you’ve recently switched vehicles. The more your vehicle is worth, the more it will cost to insure. However, automobiles with features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices may lower your premium.
Making a change to your policy can have an impact on your auto insurance rate. For instance, adding a driver will likely increase the cost of the policy, especially if the new driver is a teenager. Moving to a new residence may also affect the cost of your policy – depending on the rate of traffic accidents, thefts, and vandalism claims in your geographic area, this can affect your premium either negatively or positively. Your premium may also increase if you’ve recently switched vehicles. The more your vehicle is worth, the more it will cost to insure. However, automobiles with features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices may lower your premium.
What can I do to keep my car insurance premiums low?
In order to keep your car insurance premiums low, you could consider driving a safer, slightly older, or less valuable vehicle. If you have a high premium but don’t want to change vehicles, you can also opt for a higher deductible and be sure to keep your policy from lapsing to keep costs down.
The easiest way to keep your rates low without changing vehicles or spending money is to maintain a safe driving record. Avoid moving violations like speeding and reckless driving. Ultimately, remember to drive the speed limit, drive cautiously, and buckle up – this will help you avoid getting ticketed, which will leave a mark on your record that typically lasts three years in most states.
The easiest way to keep your rates low without changing vehicles or spending money is to maintain a safe driving record. Avoid moving violations like speeding and reckless driving. Ultimately, remember to drive the speed limit, drive cautiously, and buckle up – this will help you avoid getting ticketed, which will leave a mark on your record that typically lasts three years in most states.
What deductible should I choose?
The higher the deductible, the lower the premium – but the more you’ll pay out of pocket in case of a claim. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium – but the less you’ll pay if you have an insured claim.
Does the kind of car I drive influence my auto insurance rates?
The car you drive can have a substantial impact on your auto insurance premium, especially the amount you pay for your comprehensive and collision coverage. The insurance rates for comprehensive and collision coverage are determined by looking at the type of vehicle loss history – how often it is stolen, and how costly it is to repair or replace after an accident.
What can I do to control my auto insurance rates?
- Have multiple policies, like your homeowners with your auto insurance.
- Insure more than one car to qualify for multi-car discounts.
- Insure your boat, motorcycle or RV to earn additional discounts.
- Drive safely, drive less often and maintain a clean driving record.
- Raise your deductible.
- Drive a reliable car with standard safety features like air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.
What are the safest cars to drive?
Even the safest cars are dangerous if not driven safely. However, discounts are available for drivers who drive cars with air bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
How does the kind of car I drive affect my insurance rate?
The kind of car you drive can impact your car insurance rate, especially if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. Rates are based on the type of vehicle loss history – how often it’s stolen, and how expensive it is to repair or replace after a theft or accident.
Additional factors that can contribute to your car insurance premium:
- Engine size
- Body type
- Age
- Value
- Safety and security features
- Crash-test ratings
Every car and driver is unique, and while certain standards can apply to car insurance premiums – like cars with fewer safety features or car alarm systems typically costing more to insure, and cars with sophisticated safety features and good crash-test ratings usually being more affordable – there are a variety of exceptions.
The best way to determine how the kind of car you drive can affect your insurance rate is to call today to help you determine the right insurance coverage for you and your car.
What does "full coverage" mean?
The term full coverage generally means that the insurance policy has both liability coverage and coverage for damage to your vehicle. The term full coverage does not mean that “everything” is covered no matter what happens. Your auto insurance Policy Declaration page lists the coverage you have selected.
Am I covered if I drive someone else's vehicle?
Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the car. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, the owner’s insurance would apply toward damages first. Your auto insurance would generally apply in the event the owner of the vehicle had no auto insurance or did not have enough auto insurance to pay the damages.
If I rent a car, am I covered?
Car rental companies charge daily fees for “CDW” coverage (which means their insurance will pay for all damages covered in your rental agreement). Rental car coverage under a private passenger policy varies state by state. Check your policy.
Will my policy be cancelled if I have an accident?
Generally, being in an accident will not cause your policy to be canceled. However, after the facts of the situation are reviewed, you may be required to pay a higher premium for your policy upon renewal.
Do I need special coverage if I install new stereo or audio equipment?
If you’ve added optional stereo equipment to your vehicle that is not permanently installed in the same location as the factory-installed stereo, subwoofers or additional speakers, for example, you’ll want to consider adding an endorsement to your policy to fully cover these items in the event of theft or damage.