7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Auto Insurance
Though almost every state in the country requires its drivers to be insured, there are still millions of Americans operating a vehicle without the proper car insurance.
Driving without proper insurance is risky to you, those who ride with you, and others on the road.
While it’s one thing to know that you should have insurance, knowing which auto insurance policy to get is a different story.
As you go about the process of buying auto insurance, there are some key questions to take into consideration to help you narrow down your options.
Let’s look at seven questions to ask yourself before buying insurance for yourself or a member of your household:
1. Ask Yourself How Often You Drive
One of the first questions to ask yourself in helping you determine the auto insurance that’s right for you is, “how often do I drive?”
If you are in a position where daily driving is part of your daily life, whether you’re commuting to work or school, this should be taken into consideration. Are you driving 100 miles a day, or are you driving much more?
Your auto insurance policy should reflect how much you plan on being on the road. If you don’t drive as often, you might want to consider looking into a mileage-based insurance policy.
2. Will Your Car Be Used For Work?
Many people use their own vehicles to get to and from work each day. But if you’re also using your vehicle on the job to perform job-related activities, a commercial auto insurance policy is a must.
A personal auto policy won’t work in a situation in which you use your vehicle to perform your job functions. This is because it won’t provide coverage for any passengers you might transport, goods you deliver, or other commercial activities.
Ask your insurance agent about getting set up with a commercial auto insurance policy.
3. What Type Of Car Do You Drive?
When you work with a professional auto insurance agent, they can help you determine the best insurance for your car type. Many drivers are surprised to know that their car make and model has an effect on their insurance policy.
For example, some cars are more likely to be stolen than others, making any damages during recovery more expensive to repair.
Other types of cars require special insurance because they are modified or classified as a “classic car.”
On the flip side, if you opt for a “safe car,” one that comes with the latest in modern safety features, you might be eligible for some auto insurance discounts.
When buying auto insurance, these are all things to consider and discuss with your agent.
4. How Much Does Your Car’s Appearance Matter To You?
If your vehicle’s appearance is important to you and you take pride in its appearance, you’ll want to get an insurance policy that will fully cover any damages.
This means you’ll want to consider the fullest range of insurance, including glass coverage, comprehensive, and collision.
If you drive an old, beat-up car and you aren’t too concerned with possible dents or scratches, and you want to save on insurance premiums, you might want to opt for a limited policy.
5. Where Do You Live And Park Your Vehicle?
When buying auto insurance, it’s important to know that where you live will impact your auto insurance rates. If you live in an urban area where most people park their cars on the street, you face a greater risk of vandalism or theft.
Comprehensive coverage is a good option for those who live in such areas. If you live in a small suburb, on the other hand, your premium rates are likely to be lower.
If you have questions about how your city or suburb might affect your insurance premium, a qualified agent can assist you.
6. Will Anyone Else Be Driving Your Vehicle?
Most car insurance policies cover the occasional other drivers. However, if you have others who live with you that plan to drive your car regularly (i.e., a spouse, teenage driver, or roommate), they need to be included in your policy.
To leave them off of the policy while allowing them to drive your car uninsured could spell disaster.
7. Is Your Car Leased Or Financed?
Another thing to take into consideration when buying auto insurance is whether or not you’re leasing the car in question.
If you still owe money on a car and are expected to return it in good condition once a lease is up, you’ll need to insure the car for its entire value. You might also need to get supplemental gap insurance to cover any gap between the car’s market value and what you owe.
Learn More Before Buying Auto Insurance
Be aware that while the above questions are among some of the most important to ask yourself before buying auto insurance, there are other factors that will come into play when choosing the right policy.
Your gender, driving record, age, and even your credit score can impact your auto insurance rates.
An experienced insurance agent can help you determine the right insurance policy and get you set up so that you and your vehicle are fully protected.
To learn more, contact us today to discuss your policy needs! We’re happy to answer all of your questions about auto insurance or any other type of insurance you’re looking for. We look forward to serving you!