Cheapest Vehicles to Insure...and the Most Expensive

ot all states require you to have automobile insurance, but all states do require you to prove that you can pay specified amounts if you cause bodily injury or property damage while driving. For most of us, this equates to carrying automobile insurance. So, how do you find the car insurance that will meet your needs at a reasonable price?

You can take advantage of car insurance companies when they fight for your business: a single online form gets you free money and time-saving quotes. Today, it's easy to get free quotes and do car insurance comparisons on the Internet, but a lot has changed from a few years ago. It used to be that you could call an insurance carrier and get a quote over the phone. The same is true today, with the exception that, while you're checking their rates, the insurance companies are checking your credit. A good driving record is no longer enough to get the lowest rates - you also need to have good credit. You will need to keep this in mind when you make your car insurance comparison – your credit rating has a definite influence on the quotes you receive. Unless you have at least average credit, you can't expect to get the lowest prices when you do a car insurance comparison.

Nobody deliberately sets out to overpay on their car insurance, but unless you have a $500 or $1000 deductible, that’s exactly what you’re doing. Even though this might seem like high deductible, the money you save on your premium will more than offset your higher out-of-pocket costs.

It would be great if you could buy each of the types of car insurance coverage as a separate policy because having everything in one policy makes it too easy to ignore the details. A brief summary of the four types of car insurance coverage may help you focus on your specific needs.

1. The part of car insurance coverage that deals with accidents you cause, is property and bodily liability. A reasonable amount for this coverage is $50,000.

2. The medical part of car insurance coverage deals with the treatment of injuries from an accident for you and your passengers.

3. A third part of car insurance coverage provides protection from uninsured or underinsured drivers. The recommended minimum for this coverage is $50,000.

4. The part of car insurance coverage that repairs or replaces your car in the event of an accident is collision. And for all other causes of loss or damage, there's comprehensive coverage

NOTE: It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts.

Other ways to save on car insurance include:

· Buy a "Low Profile, Low Maintenance" car. Autos that are common targets for vandals or thieves usually have higher rates for that reason alone. Research before you buy. It’s the common, less glamorous cars that will keep insurance premiums down.

· Some insurance companies will provide discounted rates if you have airbags and/or automatic seat belts. Anti-lock brakes improve stability and steering control when a vehicle is brought to a stop, thereby causing a reduction in accidents. Either of these safety features will decrease your insurance costs.

· Consider that the most expensive cars to insure would be the high maintenance, high profile, easily damaged, difficult to repair, high sticker price car with no safety equipment installed. Additionally, vehicles that have been altered after factory to include "dangerous" features such as an elevated axle, stronger engine, alternate fuel system, or altered exhaust.

These few issues alone will influence your insurance costs. Contact your insurance provider to receive a listing of all the ways your particular company can help you save money on your insurance premiums.

Also see Airbags: More than just a lot of Hot Air?

The Car Thief's Nightmare: Auto Alarms And other Anti-Theft Devices

Driving Safely – Five Safety Tips Most Forgotten

Everything You Need to Know about Winter Driving

Important Tips about Child Restraint Seats

This webpage is brought to you for general information purposes only and there are no warranties as to accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information posted on this or any linked website.

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