If you have recently purchased a new car, one of the first things you are always required to do is get car insurance. Without it, you are not legally allowed to drive your vehicle. Choosing the right insurance plan can certainly be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time doing so. Unfortunately, this can lead you to make a rash decision and not really take the time to research different insurance companies to see which one is right for you or get additional car insurance quotes. That’s why before taking the plunge on car insurance, consider these things first.
1. Insurance Rates
This is one of the deciding factors when picking car insurance. The insurance rates you get will all vary by company and depend on various things. For example, the type of car you drive, your driving history, insurance history, and credit score are all things that matter when getting car insurance quotes from insurers like Keller & Associates Insurance Brokers. Since not everyone will give you the same rates, be sure to shop around and get quotes from as many companies as possible so you can compare and make the best decision for you.2. Look for Discounts
Everyone loves a discount, no matter what it’s for. Many car insurance companies will offer discounted rates for certain qualifying members. This can include things such as having a history of good driving, you’re accident-free, military, good student, and having defensive driving discounts. If you fall under any of these categories, be sure to find a car insurance company that offers this specific type of discount to get the best rate possible and save a ton of money on your car insurance rates.3. Additional Coverage
On top of the regular cover that an insurance company offers, they may also provide some type of additional coverage as well. This includes everything from roadside assistance to rental reimbursement and medical payments coverage. These add-ons aren’t usually free but may still be worth getting anyways. After all, it is less expensive for you in the long run if you have to use these services, which can add up quickly when they aren’t covered by your insurance company.4. Make Sure They Are Legitimate
Nowadays, it’s not difficult for someone to pose as an insurance company. In fact, it is not uncommon for someone to fake an insurance company just to lure people out of their money without actually providing them with a service. To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, research any car insurance company that reaches out to you about their services first or who makes an offer that seems too good to be true. Chances are, it probably is. Be careful not to give out personal information until you have concrete proof that they are an accurate car insurance company.5. Read the Fine Print
People often overlook a contract's fine print when signing it, even though it may contain important information. Be careful not to sign anything that you haven’t read through thoroughly. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask questions or even take the document to an attorney who can read through the contract for you. You last want to be stuck in an insurance contract that you can’t break.6. Check for Bundles
If you are searching for car and home or boat insurance, be sure to check with the company to see if you can bundle your insurance plan. This usually means that all combined services will save you money on the individual rates, and you’ll remain covered. Bundle rates are great for first-time homeowners as well as anyone who may also be looking for car insurance quotes. When you ask for calgary car insurance quotes, be sure to inquire about bundle rates. You might be surprised at how inexpensive the prices may be.7. Deductibles
Deductibles aren’t really something many people consider until it comes time to pay them. If you haven’t finished paying off your vehicle, you will have to pay for a full coverage policy that may not always be affordable. However, you can always request higher deductibles as opposed to paying a hefty policy. If you don’t want to pay for a costly deductible should you ever be in an accident, then this might not be the right decision. Again, a lower deductible will mean a higher premium and vice versa.8. Learn About Rating Factors
As mentioned, the quote you get for your car insurance depends on various factors. Insurance companies don’t consider the same elements, so be sure you know what those are before asking for a quote. Things such as where you live, your driving record, your age, and even your marital status are all things that could significantly affect how much you will pay for your insurance. If you have been in a car accident in the past, keep in mind that some insurance companies will also consider this. However, how long ago the accident also happened matters. Some motorists with lousy driving records also need an SR-22, depending on your state. You can check out the rules and requirements at sr22 insurance Oregon.For instance, if your car accident happened five years ago, look for an insurance company that only looks into your driving history as far as three years back.