Sunday, December 28, 2008
Purchasing Auto Insurance
Looking for auto insurance online will make it easy for you to find great coverage at the lowest rate possible anywhere. Normally all you need to do is fill out a short form with your basic information listed and you’ll receive numerous quotes to compare with other companies.
We all complain about the cost of auto insurance rising and most policies costing several hundreds of dollars a year already. Based on your age, driving record, and credit rating along with a few other matters, you premium can be more than that. Did you know you even have an insurance score? It is based on your driving record and the information found on your credit bureau. This score plays a major part in the amount of your premium.
If you or your family members own a car chances are you have insurance. Most states require you purchase at least a minimum of liability coverage in order to operate your vehicle. It is generally a wise idea to carry more than just the minimum amount of liability insurance.
You can reduce your annual cost for auto insurance by taking a few steps, depending on your circumstances. Such as, protect your credit report and your driving records. The more wrecks or tickets on your record the higher your premium will be. If you have more than one vehicle chances are you will qualify for a multi car discount, as well as some companies will discount young drivers if they participated in a drivers education class and maintained a passing score. Did you know that some companies will discount for a teenage driver if they keep their school grades above a certain score.
These are all things to inquire about when shopping for online insurance and if you can not find the answer to your question or a certain coverage you are looking for the majority of the auto insurance companies have online chat services. That way you can find the answer to your question without having to sit in front of an agent and the chat line is only there if you need it.
Auto Insurance in Maine
In Maine there is a system called the tort system, which basically is when a person is at fault in an accident and that person causes damage to the other vehicle it is the responsibility of the auto insurance agent. You can find information on this system along with all your other questions listed on line.
The state of Maine requires that you carry at least basic coverage which is referred to as 50/100/25. This means that you have $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury, a maximum of $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. It is always a good idea to raise the coverage in those area if you can afford to, that would mean less out of pocket expense to you.
A basic Maine auto insurance policy also includes personal injury protection which helps with medical costs that are required for you and any of your passengers. Maine requires a minimum of $1,000 to be carried in this coverage, however, like the other coverage’s it is wise to increase this as well if financially possible.
Along with the above listed requirements you will also find that Maine requires you to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at least of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. It will provide you with protection against bodily injuries received in an accident if the other driver does not have insurance or is underinsured.
Even if you driving record is not the best in the world you will find coverage online in the state of Maine. It is important that you protect yourself and your passengers when operating a vehicle by carrying the appropriate amount of insurance that is affordable to you.
While you are searching for these policies it is important to remember that your premium is going to be based on your credit bureau as well as your driving record. If you keep both of these clean you are sure to receive the lowest premium available that Maine auto insurance companies have to offer.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Operating Your Vehicle in Maine
Whether you are moving to Maine or visiting if you will be operating a vehicle on the roads it is in your best interest to be informed of the regulations and laws in the event you have an accident. Don’t be caught off guard with being underinsured and having to pay out of pocket expenses. Your online auto insurance companies can inform you of the requirements by the state as well as by some lending institutions.
You are the only one who can decide what coverage and policy is right for you after taking into consideration your situation; however there are state limitations on certain coverage that you must follow. In some cases it is best to request a higher amount of coverage than what is state required, that way you are protecting yourself from the possibility of out of pocket expenses that can be unnecessary. Keep in mind your policy must contain bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury, and medical payments. There are other options available that you will find online when you request your auto insurance quote.
Do you have a teenager in the house that will be driving soon or is driving now? Maine has a program called Graduated Drivers Licensing. This includes a minimum entry age, and extended learner period of at least 6 months, parent certifications, night restrictions, and passenger restrictions.
Free quotes are available so you can determine and compare the lowest rates offered to you. The quote will be based on the coverage you choose, your driving record, as well as your credit report. Plus, you may be eligible for certain discounts, for example, if you are going to insure more than one vehicle, if you are over a certain age, if you are military, and in some cases the payment plan you select.
Before choosing your auto insurance coverage in Maine, follow up on the regulations and laws so you will not be found underinsured and facing tickets, medical bills, legal fees, vehicle repairs for your vehicle as well as the other vehicle involved, and the possibility of your rate increasing due to the amount of claims filed.
Knowing Maine Auto Insurance
On line you will be able to explore the various coverage offered and rates available. Once you have chosen the location you will be driving in you can start the process of shopping for your auto insurance company. Several online companies will offer rate charts to give you an idea of the amount you will be paying for coverage, while other companies prefer to have you answer a few simple questions then they will provide you with a free rate quote. Most of the premiums you are given will already included discounts, however it is always wise to request information on all eligible discounts allowed.
Your driving record, the area of Maine in which you will be driving, and your age are all some of the factors taken into consideration when processing your quote. Along with this information you will be asked to disclose the information on your vehicle you wish to insure such as, the make, the model and the year. Your marital status and prior insurance coverage will also play a role in your rate quote. In some cases if you have no prior insurance coverage your premium will be slightly higher for a certain amount of time.
Maine auto insurance companies offer numerous discounts for drivers. A senior citizen, age 55 or older, is eligible for a discount on liability, medical payment, and collision coverage after they complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course. A teenager can receive discounts for being a “good student” by maintaining a B average or better. Even safety devises such as air bags, anti lock brakes, and automatic seat beats can qualify you for certain discounts. Most auto insurance companies in Maine offer a Multi Car discount, so if you agree to insure more than 1 vehicle with the same insurance company you are entitled to another discount.
Maine law requires that you carry a certain amount of liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payment coverage the question of how much you choose to carry above that is up to you. It is important to research online the laws Maine requires for auto insurance and to deal with a knowledgeable auto insurance company to ensure you are operating your vehicle within the states regulations.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Before You Drive in Maine
Maine has a system called a tort system, this basically means when a person is at fault in an automobile accident and they cause damage to the other vehicle it is their insurance agency’s responsibility to repair the damages done. More information on this system can be found online or by speaking with your auto insurance representative.
The state of Maine’s auto insurance laws require you to at least carry basic coverage which includes bodily injury coverage of a minimum $50,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per vehicle accident. You are also required to carry $25,000 for property damages which may accrue during an automobile accident; however, it is always a good idea to request the highest deductible you can afford. The higher the deductible on your insurance policy the less out of pocket expense you will endure in the unfortunate event of an auto accident.
Maine’s basic auto insurance policy also offers personal injury protection in the event there is medical cost inquired by your or your passengers. This coverage must be included in your policy for at least a minimum of $1000, however like the other coverage offered it is a good idea to increase this coverage if possible. In addition to this coverage, you will find Maine requires you to carry uninsured as well as underinsured motorist coverage of a minimum $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. In the event you are involved in an accident and the driver at fault either does not have auto insurance or does not have enough auto insurance to cover the damages, you will be insured.
Use of the internet will provide you the ability to purchase the best vehicle insurance at the lowest rate possible in Maine, with the ease of being able to compare rates prior to making a decision. All of us have the perfect driving record or the best credit report in order to qualify for a low auto insurance rate, however, in Maine you will find the assistance you need in order to operate your vehicle on Maine roads. Don’t be caught without insurance or enough insurance, start your search online today for the insurance policy that will suite your driving needs.
Do You Know Maine Auto Insurance?
Maine auto insurance laws clearly state the all vehicle owners provide proof of at least the minimum state required coverage for bodily injury and property damage. These two coverages alone provide medical expense coverage and coverage for damage done to another vehicle as well as passengers in the vehicle if the fault is yours. Maine requires you have a minimum of $50,000 in bodily coverage for a single person and $100,000 for other persons in the vehicle. The state also requires a minimum of $25,000 for property which will pay for any repairs that are needed for the vehicles involved in the accident.
Along with these coverages Maine also requires you to provide proof of uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage will protect you in the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident, and require medical treatment but the person at fault has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in the event you are involved in an accident, require medical treatment and the person at fault does not carry enough auto insurance. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage must be equal to you basic liability coverage by state law. If you decide to purchase a higher deductible of liability coverage you must also purchase a higher deductible for uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist. Keep in mind however, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage does not protect you in the event of property damage.
Maine will require you to sign a legal binding document stating that you wish to remain that the minimum required limits of $50,000/$100,000 for you uninsured and underinsured coverage in the event you decide not to purchase a higher deductible. Maine law also requires you to obtain medical payment insurance of at least $1000 for you protection as well as your passenger’s protection. With Medical payment insurance no matter who is at fault you and your passengers will have medical expenses provide and little to no out of pocket expense to you.
Be sure to research all your available auto insurance options prior to moving to Maine or visiting Maine and operating a vehicle. Do not be caught off guard and have out of pocket expenses that can be avoided by researching the auto insurance requirements for Maine on your computer.
Know your Auto Insurance Needs
With the numerous amounts of coverage available and the confusing auto insurance language, purchasing and understand you policy can be an added aggregation. The advantage you have now is with on line auto insurance you will find the definition to words used in the auto insurance world and the privacy to discuss how high of a deductible you can afford. The prices of auto insurance is constantly on a rise, however so is the cost to repair a vehicle and medical treatment if required after an accident has occurred therefore the higher the deductible you carry the less out of pocket expense you will be facing.
There are various types of coverage offered such as bodily injury, property damage, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist as well as underinsured motorist, car rental coverage, and let’s not forget a towing coverage in the event your vehicle needs to be towed away from the accident scene. The coverage such as bodily injury, property damage, and usually uninsured motorist as well as underinsured motorist have a minimum amount of coverage that is required by your state, you may find your state also requires you to carry a coverage called medical payment coverage. Medical payment coverage will protect you in case you or someone involved in the accident requires medical treatment.
Most lenders will require you to carry a certain amount of liability insurance so their interest, your vehicle, will be protected at all times. You will find the usual amount of liability insurance will vary from state to state and lender to lender. A good idea when seeking liability coverage is to keep in mind the book value of your vehicle. Underinsuring your auto can mean in the event your vehicle is totaled during an accident you will still have a payment to make to the lender. Therefore, making sure you have the proper coverage can save you the stress and worry of paying on a vehicle you can no longer drive when you have to purchase a new one to replace the wrecked one.
As you purchase your auto insurance on line be sure you are aware of your requirements and regulations to ensure you are fully covered and operating you vehicle legally on your cities streets. You will find all the assistance and information you need to purchase an insurance policy on line and in the privacy of your own home.
Insuring Your New Car
With the economy the way it is these days none of us can afford to miss time from work or to lose our jobs due to time missed at work. Shopping for auto insurance on your home computer gives you the hours you need on your job and the time you need searching for the right auto insurance. There is no line, no taking a number to be served, and you do not have to work around someone else’s business hours. If you need to speak with a representative to find the answer to a questions or for suggestions, you will find the majority of on line auto insurance companies have knowledgeable and well trained customer service representatives available to assist you 24 hours a day.
You will receive free quotes from numerous different auto insurance companies on line after answering a few brief questions concerning yourself and your vehicle. Make sure you have the make, model, year, mileage, and vehicle identification number in front of you when you are shopping for insurance, these will play a role in getting an insurance quote. Your social security number will be used to pull your credit report and since most likely your driver’s license number is different than your social security number you will need that as well so the auto insurance company can pull your driving record. The companies will pull your driving record to decide what category you will be placed in and your credit report to determine your credit worthiness. Whether you had auto insurance prior to this request will also determine the amount your rate will be. Don’t worry even if you did not have auto insurance prior to this or your driving record is not the best in the world, there are still companies available to you for auto insurance, however your rate will be slightly higher in the beginning.
The various auto insurance companies available on line will give you the freedom you need to purchase the auto insurance policy your state and your needs require. No more auto insurance agents breathing down your neck as you are trying to decide on coverage and deductible.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Solution to Auto Insurance
Auto insurance can be expensive if you do not compare rates and discounts auto insurance companies offer. It is important to compare the different rates and requirements that each company has along with what the state you live in requires for you to operate your vehicle legally on the roads. Do not forget that if you finance your vehicle the lending institution you use may have their requirements as well.
Shopping for auto insurance online will provide you with the freedom of comparing quotes from auto insurance companies and allow you to find the policy that best suits your needs. The best part is the quotes are free; usually you just enter basic information to get started and with in a matter of minutes you will receive a quote. Some web sites will be able to search several different companies at one time so you will receive the lowest possible quote.
You not only have to decided on the company you want to do business with but you also have to decide on coverage amounts and additional policies to your basic policy. Again, this is where you need to follow up on your state’s rules and your financial institution’s requirements. If you cannot find the state requirements for auto insurance online a local insurance agent will be able to help you with this information.
You want to make sure you are fully insured in the event of an accident, rather you are at fault or you are the one hit. It is better to pay a little more a month for additional coverage than to have to have the unfortunate responsibilities of repairing your vehicle or someone else’s vehicle, especially if you end up in the middle of a lawsuit concerning the accident. In that event your insurance company will negotiate with the other person’s insurance company.
Keep in mind when shopping for auto insurance that your driving record and credit report will be pulled to complete your quote. The more tickets or wrecks on your driving record the higher your premium, along with the lower your credit score the higher your premium. While there are auto insurance companies out there that will cover high-risk policy holders in order to receive the lowest possible premium you must maintain a clear driving record and obtain a good credit rating.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Know Maine Auto Insurance
Maine auto insurance law states that every vehicle owner must have and provide proof of a minimum of liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This insurance provides coverage of medical expenses and damage done to the other person’s vehicle and passenger if the accident is your fault. The minimum bodily coverage for one person is $50,000 and $100,000 for every other person in the car. Property damage is a minimum of $25,000 which will cover you if repairs are needed for a vehicle involved in an accident.
The state also requires you have and provide proof of insurance coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorist. These 2 will cover medical expenses for you and your passengers if an accident occurs and the other driver is at fault but either has no coverage or does not carry adequate auto insurance. However, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage does not cover the cost of property damage.
Under Maine’s auto insurance laws your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be equal to your basic liability coverage limits. Keep in mind if you decided to purchase a higher limit of liability coverage you must purchase the same for uninsured and underinsured motorist limits. If for some reason you decided not to purchase higher limits you will be required to sign a legal document stating your wish to remain at the limits of $50,000/$100,000 for your uninsured and underinsured coverage. The law does require medical payments insurance as well. For your protection as well as your passenger’s so that no matter who is at fault in the accident the coverage is provided for medical expenses. Some of the expenses covered is claims for emergency room procedures, hospital stays, and doctor visits. The minimum limit requires on medical payments is $1,000 but remember the rest will be your out of pocket expense in case of an injury during an accident.
Be wise and research all your options before making a decision on auto insurance when moving to Maine or visiting and operating a vehicle. You do not want to be caught off guard with out of pocket expenses for medical treatments or vehicle repairs when the insurance is offered to cover that. Decide which policy is right for you before you operate your vehicle in Maine.
Affordable Insurance Online
You can find numerous online companies that will be more than happy to compete for your business and you do not have the worries of a representative breathing down your neck in hopes of making a bonus this year. Receive quotes online for free along with the convenience of building the perfect auto insurance policy.
Remember when deciding on your options such as deductibles and personal umbrella policies what your state and your financial lending institution has set as rules and guidelines. Another important fact to keep in mind when deciding on your deductibles are the out-of-pocket expense if something were to happen before your deductible was met.
You will find definitions for words you do not understand as well as an online operator if needed to help you complete your process. With these options you can understand the terms used in your policy since the wording can be confusing at times and difficult to understand.
Just imagine, you can actually complete a day’s work at the office without having to rush around to make it to your local insurance company before they close. You can even receive a quote on an automobile you are looking to purchase to see what the cost for insurance would be. Different states have different requirements and if you are financing your vehicle then your lending institute will have regulations you will have to follow.
Investigate your auto insurance company’s discounts also, since a lot of companies now offer military discounts as well as multi-car discounts. Your credit rating will play a roll in the price of your policy so maintaining a good credit score will be beneficial in your insurance hunt. Your driving record will be researched prior to the completion of your auto insurance policy request as well.
You want to make sure when searching for your auto insurance provided online that you compare all your options and consider the policy that will best fit your needs. For instance, if you have a teenager in your home who will be driving or you may allow someone else to drive your car, you will need coverage for that. Some people on the roads today operate their vehicle with no insurance despite the law requirements so you need insurance to protect you against those drivers. Just keep in mind all your possibilities and needs when searching and you won’t go wrong.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Maine Auto Insurance
Required insurance policies consist of property damage, uninsured motorist, bodily injury payment coverage, and medical payment coverage. There are other options that can be added to your existing policy at an additional fee. A few of those are collision and comprehensive (a.k.a. comp insurance) and a personal umbrella policy that increase your liability coverage and includes more losses, which you do not find under normal auto insurance policies.
These and other policies are available to view online along with a free quote in most cases. Maine offers numerous insurance companies to choose from; you just have to research them and decided which is best for you and your situation.
You will find that applying for auto insurance online can be much more convenient than visiting your local insurance company. When shopping online you can do it in the comfort of your own home, at your convenience, and without the hassle of a representative breathing down your neck and pressuring you with options you may not require to operate your vehicle in Maine. You will also find that you can receive a free quote along with setting up your payment options online as well.
Most insurance companies will offer discounts if you have more than one car to insure or they can write more than one policy for you, such as a homeowners policy or life insurance policy. You will also find military discounts as well as a discount if you have your payment automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month. You are also eligible for a discount based on your driving record and your credit rating. Yes, even your credit rating affects your insurance; it is important that you maintain a clear driving record and good credit so you will be eligible for the highest discount possible.
It is important to research your states requirements for insurance since some lenders will not require full coverage auto insurance if your loan balance is under a certain amount. Whereas some companies will allow liability only others may require full insurance until your balance is paid off. Keep in mind also that if your vehicle is paid for your state might allow you liability only as well.
Friday, December 5, 2008
AUTO INSURANCE 101
With online access to the auto insurance companies in all states you can view insurance companies and what they have to offer before you even have to come in contact with a person. This in turn eliminates the pressure that you may feel when purchasing auto insurance in person. Your computer will become your best friend in this area, since you will be able to shop for insurance at your convenience and in the privacy of your own home. Imagine actually being able to discuss your options in private without a representative hovering over you.
In the world of auto insurance you have many options to choose from as far as your deductible along with extra packages. Most insurance companies will offer such things as rental car coverage so that if you have a wreck you won’t have to pay out of pocket for a rental car while your car is being repaired. You also have a tow package that is the same as roadside assistance, so if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road there is a procedure that you follow to have someone pick you up.
Keep in mind that you have to follow what your financial institution requires for insurance coverage if you happen to have a lien on your vehicle. You also have to follow the state regulations as well. Most states will let you have limited insurance as long as your financial institute does as well. You can even raise or lower your deductible that, will in turn affect your premium you pay.
The premium can be paid either monthly by draft from your checking account or every six months, which is usually how you quote will appear. Some companies will offer discounts for military, multi car, and special driving certificates earned by the driver, for example drivers education. Companies may offer discounts for a clean driving record and based on your credit rating.
So it is very important that you keep a good credit rating, a clean driving record, limited claims, and explore all your options before making your selection. Before purchasing your policy you may be required to speak with a representative, however at that point you already know what options you need and there is a person available 24 hours a day in most cases.
Read information about Ca auto insurance online to learn more and be more educated about insuring cars.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Car Insurance Defined
First of all, to best understand the type of car insurance you need, you must also understand the types of car insurance available. In most states, liability insurance is a legal requirement. Liability insurance is the type of car insurance that is designed to cover the repair the vehicle of another party should you be at fault during an accident. Basically, this means if you hit someone else's car, your liability insurance will pay to repair that person’s vehicle.
In addition to liability insurance, many people choose to purchase comprehensive car insurance. Comprehensive insurance will cover damages to your vehicle that are as a result of acts of God, and other accidental mishaps that are beyond windshield on impact, your comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to repair your windshield.
Collision insurance is car insurance that is designed to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of a collision. Basically, this means that whether the accident is your fault, or the fault of another party, you have insurance coverage that will ensure the damage to your vehicle will be covered in full –- regardless if the faulted party carries adequate insurance nor not. In short, this means if you hit a telephone pole, your collision insurance will pay for it. In addition to this, if someone backs into you in a parking lot, and they are uninsured, your collision insurance will pay to repair your vehicle.
Many individuals choose to purchase full coverage auto insurance. Full coverage insurance offers all of the above types of insurance, and occasionally a few added benefits. In some cases, full coverage insurance will cover liability, comprehensive damage, collision, and may also include roadside assistance, towing service, and vehicle rental.
In most cases, the type of insurance you purchase for your vehicle will be directly related to the type of vehicle that you're driving. For example, if you're driving a brand-new car, chances are you're going to want full service coverage. In fact, many financing companies require full coverage for vehicles are still under finance. However, if you're driving a 1970s beater, you may be satisfied with simple liability coverage. In any case, the type of insurance coverage you choose will have the potential to pay for itself in the event of a single accident.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Escape Car Insurance Pitfalls
If you own a car, chances are you’ve been through the ringer when it comes to purchasing auto insurance. And if you’ve done your homework, you’re well aware that not all car insurance is created equal. Unfortunately, most people aren’t privy to this information and are disillusioned by the belief that car insurance is just car insurance, all across the board. If you’re one of those people, today is the day for enlightenment.
First and foremost, think about your own current car insurance. Are you truly, thoroughly covered? If a baseball breaks your windshield, will your insurance pay to fix it? What if your neighbor’s tree falls on your SUV in the midst of a storm? Will your car insurance company pay for that? What if, Heaven forbid, a heavy construction crew drops a beam on your car while you’re shopping at that mall? Are you covered? All these things may sound a bit crazy, but when it comes to car insurance, one should always expect the unexpected. Why? Because accidents happen and an accident doesn’t have to mean one car crashing into another (as we so commonly believe).
It’s common knowledge to inquire of your potential insurance company what kind of coverage will be extended in the event of a vehicle-to-vehicle accident. We also typically ask questions about single car accidents (like backing into a pole or hitting a mailbox), but we very rarely think about making inquiries about freak occurrences or goofy circumstances. As a result, the number one piece of advice we can give, as pertaining to shopping for car insurance, is, “ask as many questions as you can, about everything from a common fender bender to an elephant sitting on your hood”.
Another piece of sound car insurance advice is to consider shopping online. Shopping for online car insurance typically means that questions are answered in black and white (in writing) and that you will be able to keep record of communications with your potential insurance company quite easily. Most insurance companies that offer e-commerce purchasing options will be able to provide customers with printable coverage descriptions and prices. Unfortunately, when it comes to traditional insurance companies, we’re often swayed to “take the representative’s word for it”.
So, in closing, GET IT IN WRITING and ask lots of questions. And by all means, request that your car insurance representative put all the information in terms you can understand. If your rep has the tendency to use insurance ‘jargon’ be sure and request that he or she translate into layman’s terms. This point of advice sounds simplistic, but it can really make a big difference when the time comes to filing a claim down the road.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Can You Really Save Money on Car Insurance?
Car insurance is a necessary evil. And while we all hate paying for it, we all enjoy having it, especially when we get into an accident. If you're ready to buy auto insurance you've likely already found that it's not a very enjoyable process. However, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure that your new car insurance policy is not only cost effective, but will cover all of your vehicle insurance needs.
You could spend hours flipping to the phonebook and calling local agents, talking to your friends about their insurance companies, even asking your parents for advice on shopping for car insurance. Or, you could save yourself a lot of time and trouble by shopping for car insurance online. And believe it or not, doing so can actually help save you some money in premium costs.
Most companies claim to be inexpensive, but inexpensive occasionally translates to inferior. More important than the cost of your insurance is the effectiveness of your insurance. If your car insurance company doesn't thoroughly cover your needs in the event of an accident, then every penny you've paid in premiums has been in the vain. For this reason, it's a wise choice to perform some auto insurance quote comparison as you search for the policy that best suits your needs. Unfortunately, this can be a painstaking process -- but not if you turn to online resources for help!
Instead of requesting premiums one by one, individually, over the phone, why not request premiums from a variety the insurance companies at one time via some online auto insurance quote comparison? Doing so will allow you to compare side-by-side the benefits versus cost ratio for a variety of insurance coverages. Besides saving time, this approach can also save you some confusion.
When you're shopping, remember that a wide variety of circumstances will alter your insurance needs. If you're driving a new car, chances are you'll be under contract with a finance company. If this is the case, you'll likely be required to have collision insurance (or a comparable full-service package). However, if you're driving a vehicle that you lovingly described as a “beater”, chances are you won't need a full-service package. You should also keep in mind that any moving violation, traffic ticket, or car accident will affect your insurance premiums. Not only that, today it is perfectly legal and very common for insurance companies to check your credit when you apply. If you have poor credit, you'll have high insurance premiums.
So, when you're shopping for insurance, do your homework -- and always remember to pay those bills on time.