Car Insurance -- Things You Need To Understand

When you buy car insurance, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. If your car meets with an accident, you will be eligible for compensation for the losses under the contract. Your part of the contract is to pay the premium.

Car insurance covers property, liability and medical coverage. Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. If you car causes bodily injury or property damage, the liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility.

The cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses are paid by the medical coverage.

The validity of most car insurance policies is six months to one year. You must renew the policy once it expires.

State laws mandate that your have some form of car insurance if you own or operate a car.

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The penalty for driving a car without insurance varies from state to state. In some states, your car will be impounded. There are heavy fines in some states. You could be in serious trouble if you car is involved in an accident without insurance. You will have to pay out of your own pocket for any injuries or damages.

Your credit history, the age and type of your car will play an important role in determining the rate you have to pay for car insurance.

As the owner of a car, you are responsible for providing insurance for the car, no matter who is operating the car. If you operate a car without insurance, you will be in violating the law.

Finally, a few savings tips...

1. Although this may sound funny, you can bring down your rates by getting married. I know you won't get married just for this but when you do, it will save you a bit in auto insurance. It's commonsense that every person becomes more stable and less reckless once they get married. This stability affects such a person for good when he/she is behind wheels. They generally file fewer claims and when they do, they usually cost less.

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2. If you want to keep your rates down, do NOT "pimp your ride." Doing such reduces your car's safety and, therefore, warrants higher rates as far as the insurer is concerned.

3. Before you get carried away with the few hundreds you will save on a house, check if it will not cost you much more in auto insurance. Homes in the same neighborhood may fall under different risk zones as far as your insurer is concerned.

Therefore, take your time to ask your agent what effect your new zip code would have on your rates before you make that down payment. The truth is that most people don't think about this when they are about buying a home.

But think about it: If your new zip code adds up to $300 to your annual auto insurance rate, how much would that amount to at the end of your 30-year mortgage?

4. Never leave your car unlocked and running while you dash in to get something. The only easier thing for a thief would be if you handed over your keys as a gift. Every thief checks how easy a target is before making a move. An unlocked car with the engine running? What could be easier?

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5. A good option for you is to use your parents' auto insurance policy. Your parents are part of a better risk age bracket.

You must remember that the car must be registered in their name and you must be living with them if you want to use this option. If you want to own your car, then be the big boy or girl and also own the higher premiums. Sorry, you can't have both with this alternative. However, you can still make a lot of savings by clicking the link at the end of this piece.

6. You will save much if you really have between 25-30 minutes. Visit, receive and compare auto insurance quotes from several insurance quotes sites. The cheapest quote should be your choice easily.

But, you have to look beyond simply the lowest quote to the best price to value ratio. The cheapest may not offer the best price/value for you as an individual.
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