How to Compare Car Insurance Policies

Insurance policies come with many terms and coverage options. You need a bit of legal and financial knowledge to choose a policy that best fits your needs. Most insurance agents are ready to give you information about multiple options and quotes for possible coverage. But they want you to buy a policy from them, so shop around and get information from different agents.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• List of names of insurance companies offering car insurance
• List of descriptions of various car insurance policies offered by different insurance companies

1. Look at the brand name of the company while comparing quotes. A company with weight in the marketplace makes the company credible and accountable, which helps you when making claims.
2. Look at the deductible when reviewing the quotes. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums. Depending on the type of insurance you want, choose a policy based on higher premiums and lower deductibles OR lower premiums and higher deductibles.
3. Put all cars that you own under a single policy and check which ones offer you the lowest premiums. Also, ask about multi-policy discounts if they are available.
4. Compare the amount of insurance coverage of different policies.
5. Check for the total covered for bodily injury and liability insurance. Choose one with the highest dollar value for the best price.
6. Compare the levels of other coverage, such as rental cover, PIP, medical, full-glass, towing and comprehensive collision. Ask for multiple quotes with your preferred combinations and go for the policy with the lowest quote.
   
7. Check the level of coverage for ‘underinsured or uninsured motorist.' With the number of uninsured motorists on the road, there's a good chance you may need need this kind of insurance coverage.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the type of insurance policy based on your finances and the condition of the car. As these factors change, you can later update the status of your policy.
• Insurance policies and rates vary from state to state. Choose a six-month or yearly plan based on how long you plan to stay within a state.
• Be sure to compare the amount of premium you will be paying against the type of coverage and quality of service you will get in return.