Buying Car Insurance for the First Time? These 4 Tips Should Make it Easier

Nearly every state in America requires drivers to have automobile insurance but despite that regulation, a 2009 survey from the Insurance Research Council found nearly one in seven drivers chose not to purchase insurance before they took to the roads. One of the reasons for that may be due to people feeling intimidated about all the choices available, and the fact that requirements vary by state.

Fortunately, there are some constants to rely on whether you’re buying insurance in Denver, Colorado or Charlottesville, Virginia. If you’re getting ready to purchase insurance for the first time, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. In fact, the tips below should make your task more manageable.

Know What’s Required

There are two types of liability insurance available to buy: Property damage insurance and bodily injury insurance. As you might imagine, the first type covers damage to a person’s car or protects you during an accident in which you damage someone’s residence while driving. On the other hand, insurance against bodily injury means you shouldn’t have to bear the sole burden of hospital bills incurred by a person who’s hurt following an auto accident you were involved in.

Find out the minimum amount of each type of insurance you’re required to have, and if possible, buy as much coverage as you can afford. After an accident, you’d want to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t have to drain your bank account to cover damages suffered.

Consider Getting Additional Types of Insurance

Whereas liability insurance is often mandatory, collision and comprehensive insurance may be optional. Collision insurance gives coverage for your own vehicle in the event of a crash, and comprehensive insurance acts as a safeguard against things like weather-related damage and vandalism to your car. If your budget will allow, consider getting this extra insurance. Driving requires commitments, and choosing insurance can help you feel more confident every time you get behind the wheel.

Select a Logical Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before insurance takes effect. When you’re able to financially manage a higher deductible, that usually means your insurance cost will be lower, but don’t become too persuaded by low monthly premiums with deductibles you can’t afford. It’s ideal to select a deductible amount you could pay comfortably if the need arose. By instead assuming you won’t need to depend on insurance, that could saddle you with a dangerous amount of debt.

Compare Your Options

Being adequately informed makes many tasks easier, and that reality certainly extends to purchasing car insurance. Take your time and compare quotes before reaching a decision. It’s now easy to shop online and contrast choices from home at any time of the day or night. Also be aware that you might be eligible for certain discounts, particularly if you drive a car that has many safety features, or you agree to successfully complete a defensive driving skills class.

Using the information you’ve just read, it’ll hopefully be possible to make your first car insurance purchase a simple one, and cause subsequent efforts to find new insurance providers to be hassle-free, as well. Good luck!

Writer Deanna Ford is a professional blogger. Check out her posts on car insurance denver world climate for more insurance tips.