Scout Insurance Before Cars

Before you shop for cars, you should shop for car insurance.  Whether you are planning to upgrade or purchase your first car, do not forget to budget for insurance.  It is easy to think you have it covered only to realize you underestimated the true price of a new car.  Listed are common characteristics that can affect the price you will pay for car insurance.

Car doors

To keep it simple, the less doors you have, the more you pay.

Seats

How many passengers you can (legally) fit in your car, affects the bottom line as well.  If you are craving a two seater, you had better start saving now!

Sports car

The bigger the engine, the bigger the bill.  Car insurance companies have to compensate for the higher possibility of car accidents.  The price your insurance can double if you get a speeding ticket.

Popularity

The more popular a car, the more likely thieves will target it.  The higher the stolen vehicle rate, the higher the insurance rate.  Check out crime statistics in models you are interested in buying.

Year

The new the car, the higher the premium; going for a used car can save you hundreds.

Make

Mercedes or Hyundai?

Options

Although whether you get leather and surround sound can raise your rates, opting for a car alarm and anti-lock brakes can reduce your rates.

Dating a Insurance Company

You do not marry someone and then find out what he or she is willing to offer you (or at least not successfully).  So why would you sign up with an insurance company and then pick an insurance policy?  People date to see what is out there.  It is good to use the same approach with insurance companies, especially before you buy a house.

Identify Wanted Characteristics:

Location

Would you mind a cyber company?  What if you need to make a claim, would that still be okay?  Do not just think about today but also think about all the possibilities of tomorrow.  Then you will be prepared.

Accessibility

In case of a weekend emergency, would you have to wait until Monday to file a claim?  When the insurance company is open, how hard is it to get an agent on the phone?  You might want to have questions prepared and call at different times throughout the week, including the weekend.

Customer Service

How helpful are the employees?  If an insurance company’s staff treat you rudely now, how will they treat you when you have a claim?

Discounts

What kinds of discounts do they offer?  If getting car insurance, most have good driver discounts, low mileage, and student discounts but ask about the age limit.  Do not forget to ask about multi-line discounts for bundling insurance policies.