Finding Good And Cheap Auto Insurance

The search for cheap auto insurance always takes on a new urgency when in tough economic times. But when a nice insurance policy is found, the attraction in saving a couple hundred a year, at minimum, can be a powerful incentive. Keep in mind, though, a number of issues when it comes to finding and then selecting any sort of auto insurance.

The first thing to remember is to find out if the company offering one these inexpensive policies is licensed to operate in the state where the policy is going to be in effect. Occasionally, the company isn't, though it's mainly an issue for the insurance agent. He or she usually carries policies from many companies, and one who no longer operates in the state sometimes slips through the screening process.

Another thing to do is to make sure the insurance company has a decent consumer rating. This is easy enough to check, through a local business rating bureau or chamber of commerce, for example. Unfortunately, some companies and local agencies could best be described as not looking out for the best interests of their clients. It would be unfortunate to find this out after laying down a lot of money up front.

There is also several good online rating or insurance company locating websites out on the Internet. It would be a good idea to go find one and then take a minute to input the particulars surrounding the need for insurance. What this means is, fill out the online form with deductible desired, miles a year driven, age of the car etc. and see what comes back out.

It's always a surprise to many consumers when they're first presented with the wide range in costs on a policy from insurer to insurer. It would seem that they'd all be pretty close to each other, but this isn't the case on many occasions. Risk for liability and indemnity depends on a lot of variables, and one company may rate risk differently than another.

If a good price on a nice policy is found, take care to get the quote down in writing before giving them any money. And make sure the right level of insurance coverage is being extended. There are minimum coverage requirements in almost all the states, too. Also, check on when coverage starts, as some may have a day or two wait time before coverage kicks in.

When times are tough, most people try to economize. This is so even when it comes to finding good and cheap auto insurance. But just because it's cheap doesn't always mean it's of high quality; just as something that's expensive may not always necessarily mean it's good.