Ways to Get Better Auto Insurance

We all want to get the best price that we can on our auto insurance, but we should also be careful to make sure that we are getting the best value without leaving ourselves vulnerable to financial risk.  On the other hand, paying for too many inessentials, could cost us too much money.  Some suggestions to get the most coverage for your money:

Raise Your Liability Limits 

You could be just partially at-fault in an accident where there are serious injuries and find yourself bankrupted.  Higher liability limits can prevent this from happening.

Raise Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Washington State is in the Top 10 for Uninsured Motorists!  According to the Insurance Research Council in 2007, WA had the 10th highest uninsured motorist rate in the country. In WA, as of 2007, the uninsured motorist rate was 16%.  Uninsured and underinsured motorists cost insured motorists over $80 million in WA State, according to Darrin Sanger, Communications Director of the Northwest Insurance Council.  If you are involved in an accident with someone without auto insurance and you don’t have adequate coverage, you will find yourself in small claims court.  People who have no insurance or are underinsured usually do not have any assets to pursue in court. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you would likely have to pay any additional losses yourself.

California comes in at almost 25% for uninsured motorists as of 2013 data collected by the Insurance Research Council.  This is the 3rd highest percentage in the country!  Many of the drivers who do carry insurance only carry the minimum requirements. So if you are in an accident and you have a nice car, or there are any injuries, there is a very good chance that the other driver will either be uninsured or underinsured. Many accidents easily exceed the minimum liability limits.  Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for bodily injury losses to you and any passengers when you are in an accident that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.  You can also purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage to protect your vehicle from this damage as well.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage is such an important coverage to have as part of a complete auto policy. Without it, you put yourself at risk every time you drive.  This coverage is only a few extra dollars a month, and prevents you from financial ruin in the event of an accident.

Increase the deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage.

This will lower your premiums.  If you take care of minor damage/repairs to your vehicle without filing a claim, you will prevent your insurance rates from being raised because of claims, and enjoy lower auto insurance rates that help you to pay for higher liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages.

Bundle your auto with your homeowners or renters insurance.

Many carriers will give you a discount if you let them provide you with a package policy.

Every person is unique – talk to us today to find out how to get the best price and value on auto insurance for you.