2007/09/06

Auto Insurance - A Guide to Buying Car Insurance For Your Used Vehicle


When a Deal Isn’t a Deal

Finding the right auto insurance has as much to do with your needs as it does with the price. Cheaper is not always better, so do your research to determine which car insurance company best meets your needs. Read all of the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask any questions about the policy. It’s important to understand exactly what sort of policy you are purchasing and what it does and does not cover. Your best bet is to comparison shop and see what auto insurance options are out there.

By researching and comparing all the options available to you, you’re more likely to find an auto insurance company that is right for your situation. But how do you choose one auto insurance company over another? Through internet research, personal recommendations and consumer reports, you can better understand the strengths and focuses of each car insurance company. It’s also important to understand how each company’s policies differ. Additionally, most carriers offer special discounts for everything from having additional safety features on your car to having a clean driving record. If you’re stuck between several auto insurance companies, applicable discounts can mean the difference between a good deal and a great deal!

Auto Insurance Coverage

Before you begin to decide what type of auto insurance you need, it is important to note that many states dictate the types and levels of coverage required. However, by buying more than the compulsory amount, you can often protect yourself from large deductibles in the future. By understanding the various types of coverage, you are better prepared to protect yourself.

The four varieties of car insurance are:

Liability

Most state call for liability coverage in varying amounts. Liability covers the potential damages caused when you are responsible for an accident. These types of damages include the physical repercussions (medical bills and lost wages) and property-damage (repair or replacement of damages beyond the car) of those involved in the accident you caused. Liability insurance also covers the cost of legal council related to the accident. A certain amount of this car insurance is generally required, but buying more is recommended to protect your personal finances and avoid any potential litigation.

Collision and Comprehensive

Collision auto insurance covers repairs to your vehicle if you’ve caused the accident. The most you are likely to get is the depreciated cash value of the car as opposed to the replacement cost. Collision coverage is often quite pricey and isn’t always necessary. If your car is not worth much — or is a used car with a generous number of miles on it — and collision coverage is not legally required, you may prefer to put that money toward the next time you find yourself buying a car.

Comprehensive coverage pays for the damages that may occur beyond accidents such as theft or natural disaster. Both collision and comprehensive coverage come with deductibles. Remember that a higher deductible translates to a lower premium.

Medical, PIP and No-Fault

Medical coverage pays for all physical damage to you or your passengers following an accident regardless of fault. If you want to ensure total coverage, the addition of Personal Injury Protection and no-fault insurance offers extra protection. Often states require these varieties of car insurance as they extend to include repayment for lost wages or child care. However, as long as you are covered by good health insurance, there’s usually no need to get more than the required amount of medical coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

If a hit-and-run driver or a driver without auto insurance injures you or your car, uninsured motorists’ coverage comes into play. Underinsured motorists’ coverage also pays for any damage or injury to you that exceeds the other driver’s liability coverage. As such, uninsured motorists’ coverage is required in many states. For these reasons, it’s smart to not only meet the legal requirements but also to invest in as much of this car insurance as you can comfortably afford.

Many car buying websites offer useful car insurance features. At Autoguide.com you can check a car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) or check your credit rating and its impact on potential interest rates — both of which could impact your decisions when choosing your auto coverage.

My name is Jeremy Felder. I am a used car aficionado and car collector. Nothing brings me more pleasure than buying a old beat up used car for nothing and fixing it up to drive like a dream. I have made good money selling these cars for profit, but lately I’ve become too attached to my work so I have evolved into more of a car collector. Anyways, my 20 plus years of experience have afforded me boat loads of used car knowledge, which I would like to share with you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Felder

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