The Layman's Guide to Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes
Posted in:
Auto Insurance Articles
By: Anthony M. Peck
Posted on: Feb 9, 2009 - 3:30:00 PM
The Layman's Guide to Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes
Or, Why Cheaper Doesn't Necessarily Mean Better
Okay, we live in a harsh economy. With unemployment on the rise and more and more companies going under, it's tempting to try and cut costs any way we can. Since most people have a sneaky fondness for eating on a fairly regular basis, they try to do it using something they consider to be much more expendable than going to the grocery store-their auto insurance.
No, you don't have to go out and buy bumper pads for your car because the number of uninsured drivers is on the rise-although it's not a bad idea! Most drivers who cut costs using their auto insurance go online, find every auto insurance company they can think of that services their area, compare auto insurance quotes and buy a policy from whoever is going to cost them the least amount of money each month.
When you first hear about it, this sounds like a great idea-which is why so many people are doing it! The problem is, by choosing to compare auto insurance quotes rather than auto insurance policies many drivers are sacrificing the high quality coverage they deserve when they're out on the road. Think of it as the guy who chooses to buy the cheap, generic brand chocolate rather than the Dove chocolate she really wants for his girl for Valentine's Day. Yes, he's going to save a buck, but what he gains in cash back he's going to lose in quality…and chances are good he'll end up sleeping in the doghouse.
The bottom line is that it's important to consider quality when buying auto insurance, not just the price tag. Here's what you need to know before you step out there to compare auto insurance quotes:
|
The average deductible on an auto insurance policy is $500 for both collision and comprehensive. If you're paying more than that, you're paying too much. |
2) Watch your deductibles! This is how most low budget auto insurance companies convince drivers to sign on the dotted line. They charge less in premiums, but if you're ever in an accident you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in deductibles before your insurance provider will cut you a check.
3) How financially sound is your auto provider-really? Many small, start-up companies are able to underbid major providers like Progressive or Geico, but when push comes to shove they don't have the funds on hand to pay for your auto repairs. You'll be stuck holding the bill, and you'll have to spend years fighting to get your premiums back.
When you compare auto insurance quotes, be sure you're looking at the big picture along with the price tag. Anything else will inevitably come back to haunt you farther down the road.
