10 Questions to Ask When Looking for Car Insurance
Personalize Your Car Insurance to Accommodate Your Needs
Are you looking for a new car insurance policy that meets your budget while also providing adequate coverage for your specific needs? Everyone should have an auto insurance policy that they can rely on. If you are shopping for car insurance, there are several questions you can ask yourself and discuss with your insurance agent in order to get personalized coverage at an affordable cost.
1. How Much Do You Drive Every Day?
Some insurance policies are mileage-based meaning that the amount of miles you drive on average affect the cost of the policy. Are you someone who commutes 100+ miles to work each day, or do you mostly drive your car around town (short commute, kid’s school, etc.). If you generally don’t drive a lot, then you might benefit from a mileage-based insurance policy.
2. Do You Use Your Car for Work?
If you use your car to accomplish paid work tasks, then you will need a commercial auto insurance policy. A personal car insurance policy does not cover situations such as ride-sharing, pizza delivery, courier services, etc. If you use your car for work, make sure you let your insurance agent know so that you have coverage for all situations.
3. What Kind of Car Do You Drive?
The type of car you drive could affect the cost of your insurance policy. This is because there is data that shows that certain types of cars are more or less likely to incur an insurance claim. Some examples include:
- Sports cars with powerful engines have an increased risk of theft and the cost to fix such cars is often more than a “regular” car.
- Modified or classic cars often need a special insurance policy to cover any potential claims.
- “Safe” cars often have certain safety features and have proven to have fewer accidents, which means that the cost to insure them is generally lower.
4. How Do You Value the Appearance of Your Car?
If you’re the type of person that will want the appearance of your car to be like new if it’s in an accident, then you might want a more comprehensive insurance policy. However, if the appearance of your car isn’t that important to you, then you could limit your policy to liability insurance, which will definitely save you money.
5. What Neighborhood Do You Live In?
Where you live and where you park your car can also impact the cost of your insurance policy. For example:
- Street parking – If you park your car on the street in an urban area, then there is an increased risk of theft or vandalism. You might need a more comprehensive insurance policy if this is the case.
- Suburb parking – If your car is parked in a driveway or a less urban area, then the risks of theft and vandalism are much lower. In this case, your insurance premiums might be lower as well.
6. Will Anyone Else Drive Your Car?
If someone in your household regularly drives your car, then it’s important to list them on your auto insurance policy. Most insurance policies will cover people who occasionally drive your car even if they’re not listed.
7. What is the Minimum Coverage Required in Your State?
Most states require drivers to have liability insurance at a minimum. However, these required coverages are usually low, so you might want to consider a higher level of coverage depending on your financial situation.
8. Do You Own, Finance, or Lease Your Car?
If you owe money on your car or have an obligation to keep it in a certain condition while leasing it, then you will likely need insurance that fully covers the gap in case you’re in an accident. Speak with an insurance agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage in these situations.
9. Do You Have a Pet That Rides in the Car With You?
If you have a pet that’s like family and often rides in the car with you, pet coverage will help pay for any veterinary costs in case your pet is injured in an auto accident with you.
10. Are There Any Discounts Available?
In some cases, you can receive one or multiple discounts to save on the cost of your insurance policy. Some of these include:
- Safe driving record
- Homeowner
- Bundled policies (home, auto, boat, etc.)
- Full payments when policy starts or renews (rather than monthly)
Make sure you ask your insurance agent if you can take advantage of any of these discounts.
James Grace Insurance Will Answer Your Questions
If you contact James Grace Insurance, our team will help you get an auto insurance policy that meets your needs while answering all of your questions. Because James Grace Insurance is an independent agency, we can provide personalized insurance depending on your situation. We’ll do the shopping. You’ll do the saving. Learn more today!