1. A Clean Driving Record

Having a driving record clean of incidents such as tickets and/or accidents will be of great help in saving on car insurance rates in the Lone Star State.  An individual with a clean driving history is regarded as less of a risk and, as a result, are rewarded with lower premiums.

This discount, if you qualify, could save you up to 25% on your premiums… so resist the temptation to put pedal to the metal and/or run those red lights when you think no one’s looking.

Your insurer may also offer a discount for non-perfect drivers who take a driver re-education class.  It’s worth asking the question.

2. Compare Quotations

Do not to rely solely on recommendations and referrals from friends or family. They may be getting a good deal from a certain company, but the same will never apply to everyone.

Rates are based on multiple factors pertaining to the drivers and vehicles to be insured.  Different insurers assign different weights to these factors when determining the premiums that apply to a driver and his/her particular circumstances.  Comparing rates from multiple providers is the only effective way to identify the best quote for you.

Comparison shopping websites allow you to obtain several free quotes with a few clicks of your mouse.  By completing a short questionnaire, you will be provided with several quotations from qualified insurers.  Now you have multiple quotes to compare and make your choice.  I recommend Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less.

Once you have a handful of quotes from different insurers, identify 1-2 that seem to provide the essentials of what you need.  Get the agent on the phone and ask questions aimed at fine tuning your coverage and seeing that all applicable discounts are included.

3. $1,000 Deductible

If you are in need of comprehensive and collision coverage (commonly known as “full coverage”) consider a deductible of $1,000 or even more.  Usually, a higher deductible means lower premiums.

The most common deductible amount is $500 these days.

Appreciate that your deductible is the amount that will come from your pocket before your coverage kicks in.  Determine the amount you are willing to pay for damage to or loss of your vehicle.   Set your deductible at that level.

4. Ask Questions

Many insurance companies offer discounts which may not be included in your quote.  Be sure to ask for discounts for which you may qualify like having anti-theft devices and safety features such as anti-lock brakes and air bags.  Insurers also provide discounts for good students (if you have a student driver in the family) and low mileage.

Belong to any civic organizations, auto clubs or professional associations?  Many insurers give discounts to members of these groups.

Auto Insurance Quotes Texas – State Minimums

Now let’s look at what car insurance is required by law in Texas.

Texas law requires that motorists maintain at least the following liability coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

This coverage is commonly known to as “25/50/25″.

Auto Insurance Quotes Texas – Recommended Liability Coverage

Vehicles valued at $50,000 and up are common on the road these days…especially in Houston and Dallas.  The reimbursement cost of a broken limb can go upwards of $25,000 when hospitalization, surgery and rehab are considered.  And don’t forget the multiplier effect of legal action.

It’s becomes obvious that a serious accident involving several vehicles could easily exceed the TX minimums.

I recommend no less than 100/300/100.  The upgrade won’t increase your premiums substantially and could save you from financial disaster.

Auto Insurance Quotes Texas – Other Coverage to Consider

Keep in mind that liability coverage does not cover your medical expenses or damages to your vehicle.

You should also consider collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, GAP insurance (if your car is financed or leased) and personal injury protection.

George Jacob “G.J.” Mecherle was a retired farmer and an insurance salesman.  In 1922 he founded State Farm for the benefit of farmers.  His contention was that since farmers used their vehicles less than their urban counterparts, and as such seldom met with accidents, they ought to pay less for insurance.  His suggestion was turned down by his insurance company.  To validate his stand, Mecherle started his own company.

At present, State Farm has more than 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees who service 42.4 million auto policies to consumers in North America.

Auto Insurance Quote State Farm: Compare Quotes and Save

Should you rely in State Farm exclusively for your car insurance needs?  I suggest “no”…not without comparing quotes from a handful of others insurers.

When you compare, you will most likely notice significant differences in pricing… and this could mean substantial savings for you.  Use insurance comparison websites like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less to obtain that handful of quotes within minutes.  You just have to fill up a form and you will be provided with several quotes from companies qualified to do business in your state.

Auto Insurance Quote State Farm: State Requirements

Though state requirements differ from state to state, most states have three basic insurance requirements.  States typically require $10,000 to $50,000 for bodily Injury liability (BIL) per individual, $20,000 to $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident and $5,000 to $25,000 for property damage liability (PDL).

However, in reality these state minimums are very low and if you only insure for the minimums, you stand at substantial financial risk.  My recommendation is at least $100k/300k/100k. You won’t find the additional coverage overly expensive, and the added protection could save you from financial disaster.

Auto Insurance Quote State Farm: Other Coverage

You should also look at coverage apart from liability insurance.  That means insuring for your injuries, as well as damages to your car.  This coverage typically includes collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, gap insurance and vehicle replacement.

Auto Insurance Quote State Farm: Factors Affecting Rates

Rates are determined by insurance companies based on a number of factors. These include age, sex, driving history, car specs and where you expect to be driving your vehicle.  Nowadays, factors like credit rating/credit history, current job and total years of service are also taken into consideration.

Auto Insurance Quote State Farm: Potential Savings

Last but not least, you can avail of discounts from most insurance companies provided they meet certain criteria.  Car owners applying for multi-vehicle insurance are offered discounts.  At the same time, if you have a clean driving record and/or have done a state recognized driving course, you may also qualify for a discount.  Discounts are also provided to those people whose vehicles has apart from standard safety features additional ones like dual air-bags, ABS/anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, etc.

Do you belong to a professional society, alumni association or civic organization?  Most insurers have standing discount arrangements for groups of that nature…and for the larger, nationwide insurance companies, the list will include 200-300 different groups.

Auto insurance in California is required by law. Just as in every part of the US, it is now required to have auto insurance if you intend to own and operate a vehicle in the state of California. And, beautiful as California is, getting auto insurance in California can make you wonder whether you have selected the right place to live!  That is because California auto insurance is among the most costly in the country.

Low Cost Auto Insurance California – Shop Around

So, for the best value California auto insurance, it pays to shop around.

Use a free website like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less to get a handful of quotes from different insurance companies.

Low Cost Auto Insurance California – State Minimums

If you’re looking for California auto insurance, there are some things you have to know before you start your search.

Each state sets its own minimum insurance requirements.  In California, the minimums are 15-30-15.  In plain words, that means there are 3 minimum coverages required by California law.

Bodily Injury Liability per individual – $15,000

Bodily Injury Liability per accident – $30,000

Property Damage Liability per accident – $15,000

If you have purchased a new vehicle or had any complicated medical procedures done lately, you can understand that these minimum amounts will not go very far.  So, if you choose to go with these minimums, understand that you are leaving yourself open to significant financial setback, if you are involved in a serious multiple-car accident which is determined to be your fault.

Raising you liability coverage to reasonable levels is not that expensive and could save you from the poor house.  I recommend at least 100/300/100.

Low Cost Auto Insurance California – Other Coverage to Consider

The above minimums provide only liability coverage.  They do not cover injuries to you and damages to your car.

To provide for you and your car, the following coverage should be considered.

• Collision – Covers damage to your car from collision.
• Comprehensive – Covers your car for damages caused by vandalism, fire, animal impact and acts of God, as well as theft.
• Personal Injury Protection – Covers you and your passengers for bodily injuries and death, if you are at fault.
• Uninsured Motorist – If the party causing the accident is underinsured, this insurance will cover the shortfall relating to you and your car.
• Gap insurance – Insures you for the difference between the loan amount on your vehicle and actual market value.  Will be required by your bank, if you finance or lease a vehicle.

Low Cost Auto Insurance California – Cost Savings

Once you identify the levels of coverage you want, you can start looking for ways to lower your insurance costs.

1.  One way to reduce your California auto insurance costs is eliminate coverage you do not need.  If the amount you spend yearly for collision and comprehensive coverage is greater than the value of your car, you may wish to consider dropping collision and comprehensive insurance.

2.  Other strategy would be to look at your deductible amount.  As an example, increasing your deductible from $100 to $2,000 can mean as much as 25% savings on your collision and comprehensive premiums.  The average deductible is around $500, but $1,000 deductibles are becoming more common.

How much are you willing to pay out of your pocket, if your car needs repair or is deemed to be a total loss?  That’s a good rule of thumb for setting your deductible.

3.  What about your driving record itself?  Do you have a lot of tickets?  If so, taking a drivers education course will reduce your premiums with many insurers.

4.  Another factor that is used to identify your California auto insurance rate is where you reside.  For people living in a high crime rate area, you will not receive as cheap auto insurance quote as someone who lives in a safer area.

The first Concord Company was founded in 1928 and established by the Farm Bureau Federation of New Hampshire to offer reasonably priced coverage to farm members.  In subsequent years, insurance packages were developed to fulfill the requirements of the non-agricultural society and the company stretched out into Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.

Today the Concord Group is one of the leading regional, multiple line insurers in New England.  They service over 250,000 policy holders by way of 300 independent representatives and have time after time earned an “Excellent” rating from A.M. Best, a national insurance ranking organization.

Concord Auto Insurance – Compare and Save Money

However, should you automatically place your auto insurance with Concord?  Definitely not!   To get the best policy at a fair price, it is imperative to gather several options and compare.   You will notice key price differences, which can spell out significant savings.  Therefore, do some shopping prior to settling on your final policy.

Using free comparison websites like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less will produce a bunch of options, and it takes hardly any time.

Let’s take a gander of some typical state insurance regulations.  Then I’ll demonstrate how you can bank money and still get the insurance you need.  We’ll use Massachusetts as our example.

Concord Auto Insurance – Massachusetts Requirements

Personal Injury Protection: $8,000 per individual

Bodily Injury Liability: Individual – $20,000
Bodily Injury Liability: Per Accident – $40,000
Property Damage Liability: Per accident – $5,000

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: Individual – $20,000
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: Per accident – $40,000

Concord Auto Insurance  -  No-Fault Explained

Massachusetts happens to be one of the no fault states, meaning that each driver is obliged to maintain personal injury protection (PIP).  If an accident occurs PIP covers your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault.

No fault laws prohibit you from taking legal action against the other driver except when injury costs exceed your coverage.

Bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) covers injuries and property damages when you are at fault.

Uninsured motorist will cover injuries to you and your passengers when an uninsured driver is at fault.

Concord Auto Insurance – Recommended  Liability Minimums

But to most drivers, these minimums are, to some extent, irrelevant.   For most drivers, they are dangerously low and place you at considerable risk by going with them.

Why?  A new car averages $28,000 nowadays.   You figure out the math.   To exceed $5,000 in property damage will take how many totaled autos?   The risk is compounded by medical costs and settlements for loss of life.

Therefore, it does not matter whether you shop for Massachusetts car insurance or any other state in New England.   Let the message be heard – maintaining just the state minimums is perilous to your financial wellness.

Bottom line – I am suggesting you carry at minimum PIP $100,000, liability coverage of $100k/300k/100k and uninsured motorist for $100k/300k.

Concord Auto Insurance – Other Coverage

So what is missing?   Your car.   Collision covers damage to your car through accident and comprehensive protects the car against fire, theft, vandalism and acts of God.

If your vehicle is financed or leased your bank will require them…for at least the amount of your loan.   They will also require GAP insurance to guard against a total loss payout that may be less than your loan value.

The bank, of course, is only concerned in protecting the amount of their loan to you.   Consider setting your collision, comprehensive and GAP coverages to not only protect the bank’s interest, but also the full value of your vehicle.

You may also want to think about coverage for rental of a replacement car in case yours is out of commission due to an accident.   Also, towing insurance if you do not have it from another source.

Concord Auto Insurance – Factors that Influence Your Premiums

Many issues factor into insurance rates.   For example, your driving record, gender and age as well as the year, make, and model of your vehicle.   Also, the locations where you drive most often.   These have always been major factors.

These days, insurance companies get even more sophisticated.  Your credit history and credit rating have been added to the list.  Even how long you have been employed at your present job is important to some insurers.

Concord Auto Insurance – Savings Options

These include driver training credit and good driver, multi-car and low mileage discounts, as well as discounts for automatic seat belts, certain anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes and airbags.

Car insurance in Texas is no more confusing than in any other state.  All drivers must carry car insurance any time they drive on public roads.  Thus, Texans should know what is required and where to find the best deal for that insurance.

Obtaining the best policy for automobile coverage comes down to having a little basic knowledge about car insurance and then comparing quotes from several companies.

Auto Insurance Texas Cheap: State Requirements

Texas state law requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability of $20,000 per injured person up to a total of $40,000 per accident, and Property Damage Liability coverage with a minimum limit of $15,000.

This basic coverage is often referred to as 20/40/15 coverage.

However, many times accidents result in damages that exceed this minimum coverage.   So I strongly suggest you that you increase your Texas liability insurance coverage to at least 100/300/100.

Auto Insurance Texas Cheap: Additional Coverage to Consider

But these basic requirements will only cover the property repair and medical bills of other parties involved if you caused the accident.  Additional coverage options that should be considered include the following.

Uninsured motorist liability will pay for your medical bills and vehicle damage when an uninsured driver is at fault.   Recovering damages from an uninsured driver is often a venture in futility, so this coverage is virtually essential though not required in Texas.

Personal injury protection (PIP) will pay for your medical expenses in addition to the passengers in your vehicle no matter who caused the accident.  Do you have health insurance that covers auto accidents?   If so, that should be considered in setting your PIP amount.

Collision coverage pays for damages done to your vehicle if another party is not liable.

Comprehensive covers fire, theft, vandalism and damages due to natural perils (i.e. floods, storms, etc.) and animal impact.

Auto Insurance Texas Cheap: Comparison Shopping

Comparing car insurance quotes and rates is one of the best ways to find cheap car insurance in Texas.  Get as many prices from as many companies as possible to increase the chance of finding cheaper coverage.

Use a free comparison shopping website such as Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less for this.  Those sites are easy to use, and they will arrange that 3-4 quotes are sent to you.

Auto Insurance Texas Cheap: Discounts

Firstly, always practice safe driving and obey traffic laws in order to avoid tickets and accidents which will only drive rates higher.  A 5-year squeaky clean driving record will save you about 25% with most companies.

Most insurers offer a 5-10% discount to members of organizations for which they have group discount arrangements.   A large insurer will have 200-300 such arrangements which may include organizations such as:

• Accountants
• School Alumni
• Credit Unions
• Educators
• Lawyers
• Engineers
• Financial Analysts
• Doctors and Nurses
• Military
• Scientists
• Students

If you belong to groups of this nature, ask the insurer if your organization qualifies for discount.

Discounts are also available for safety and anti-theft devices, low mileage, multiple cars and good students, to name a few.

Also, review your policy at least annually and compare your rates against what other competing insurance companies are offering. As mentioned above, Quote Wizard is helpful in obtaining quotes with a few clicks of your mouse.

Having auto insurance in Texas is non-negotiable… make sure you buy adequate coverage for the right price instead of suffering the consequences of driving without it.

Most states are considered tort states, which mean that as a resident, you are financially responsible for the damage and injury you cause in an auto accident. Typical state minimum requirements for liability insurance in are:

Bodily Injury
- $25,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $50,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage
- $15,000 for any one accident

That is known as 25/50/15 liability coverage.

But to most drivers, these requirements are somewhat irrelevant. They are drastically low and put you at substantial risk if you go with them.

How so?  Well, the average new car costs $28,000 these days.  You do the math.  How many totaled vehicles does if take to exceed $15,000?

And the same principals apply to medical expenses where one compound fracture can cost $25,000 when surgery, rehab and loss of income is considered…and what about law suits?

So it doesn’t matter if you a shopping for car insurance in Johnson City, Tennessee or Pennsylvania or Johnson City, Virginia…let the message ring loud and clear – sticking with state minimums is risky business and dangerous to your financial well being.

I recommend that you carry at least 100/300/100 liability coverage.

We’ll talk later about other coverage’s you should consider.

Auto Insurance Johnson City – Your Insurance Card

Most states require you to show your insurance I.D. card to any police officer who stops you for a traffic violation or safety check. You should also take your card to court if you’re cited for a traffic ticket or have been in an accident.

Auto Insurance Johnson City – Basics

While it’s not always fun to discuss – auto insurance safeguards you against overwhelming financial loss that could, otherwise, haunt you for years should you be involved in an accident.  And something that saves you money can not be all bad…so, read on.

Auto Insurance Johnson City – Coverage to Consider

1. Bodily injury liability: If a mishap is your responsibility, this insurance pays for medical and associated legal expenses.  Bodily injury liability insurance is required in most states.  However, compulsory minimums are rarely adequate.  I recommend a bare minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.

2. Property damage liability: This insurance is comparable to bodily injury liability except that it applies to other people’s property.  The minimum I recommend is $100,000 per accident.

3. Personal injury protection:  As you might have surmised, this coverage pays medical expenses for you, anybody injured in your vehicle and any pedestrians involved.

4. Uninsured and underinsured motorist:  You’re on route to your home in the evening and are sitting at the traffic light.  Out of the blue, a car comes out of nowhere, rear-ends you and then races off into the night.  You are too shocked to read the license plate number, thus you’re out of luck, right?  Uninsured or underinsured policies provide coverage for situations just like these, as well as where an operator does not have any insurance.

5. Collision insurance: Precisely how it is perceived…collision insurance compensates for damages to your auto due to accident.  Your insurance company pays for the damage less an agreed up deductible.
The lower the deductible, the higher your premium. How much are you prepared to pay from you own pocket for an accident?  Set your deductible at that amount.

6. Comprehensive coverage: Picture this – a tornado sweeps across your city, depositing your car in the neighbor’s backyard.  Comprehensive coverage will pay for this type of damage.  Also it pays for any damage to your car involving theft, fire, flooding and other types of hazards.
When driving an older car, consider not carrying collision, as well as comprehensive coverage.  Meaning, if you’re involved in an accident, your vehicle would be uninsured so you pay for repairs or replacement.

Auto Insurance Johnson City – Cost Factors

A ton of factors impact auto insurance pricing:
• The car’s make and model
• The age of your car
• Your age
• Your driving history (Including speeding tickets, which means – rest that lead foot!)
• Where you reside
• Gender
• Marital status
You could qualify for discounts on your auto insurance Johnson City if:
• You’re an excellent student
• Your car has particular safety features (like antilock brakes, air bags, antitheft devices etc.)
• If you have several policies with one insurer
• You pay your premium in one payment

Auto Insurance Johnson City – Compare and Save

Different insurance companies often offer the exact same coverage at different prices so…shop around!  A quick few minutes on a free online quote finding service like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less will produce a lot of options.  A little comparison can go a long way to saving you money on auto insurance.

As a Florida motorist, you would no doubt be looking for quality car insurance at a reasonable price.  Fortunately, you have plenty of choice…but the choices are so plentiful that you may not be looking forward to the selection process.   I’ll try to simplify things for you, ok?

The “Sunshine State” has a population of around 20 million and that number is increasing by more than 10% per year.  And as that happens, roads become more congested and accidents increase. Urban congestion also means more auto theft.  The bottom line is that auto insurance rates continue to go up year after year.

But all is not lost…you still minimize the cost of your auto coverage if you shop around and do the right things.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida  –  No-Fault Explained

FL is a no-fault state. This means that motorists must have car insurance for their own protection, while placing limitations on their ability to sue the other driver in the event of an accident. Among other things, no-fault is designed to reduce the cost of insurance to the consumer by streamlining the tangled legal process.

Simply put, under no-fault your insurance will pay for your damages regardless of who is at fault.

Even if the accident is not your fault (you get rear-ended, for example) your insurance company is responsible for your expenses.  And the same applies to any other driver involved in the accident…everyone must approach his own car insurance company to claim for his/her damages.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – State Minimums

To get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in the state of Florida you must have at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 of Property Damage.  This basic coverage is often referred to as a PIP/PD.

Insuring to those values makes you legal, but it certainly doesn’t provide adequate protection in case of a serious accident.

I recommend $100,000/$100,000 as a bare minimum.  The increased coverage isn’t that expensive and could save you a bundle.  Remember, you will be personally responsible of any injuries or damages that you or your passengers incur above the limits of your coverage.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Other Important Coverage

PIP and PD only takes car of your medical expenses and any property you may damage.  What about bodily injury to others and damages to your vehicle?

To provide for other perils, the following coverages should be considered.

• Collision – Covers your car for collision damages.
• Comprehensive – Insures your vehicle for theft, as well as damages caused by fire, vandalism, nature and animal impact.
• Bodily injury – Covers injuries to other parties in an accident for which you are deemed responsible.
• Gap insurance – Covers the difference between the loan amount on your car and the amount recoverable through your collision policy.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Comparison Shop & Save

The most effective way to save money is to comparison shop.  I suggest you use a comparison shopping website like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less…and there are several more available.  These services are free and require you to complete a form with info about you, your vehicle and driving record.  You do that one time and 3-4 quotes are emailed to you.  You compare those quotes to your current policy and choose the one that best serves you and your circumstances.

Auto Insurance Quote Florida – Other Savings Suggestions

1. A higher deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverage will reduce your premium.  What out of pocket amount are you prepared to absorb for each accident or fender bender?  Consider that in setting your deductible.

2. If you are driving an older, depreciated vehicle, think about dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.

3. If you are a senior citizen and haven’t taken a mature driver course, consider it.  Florida law mandates that seniors taking this course be given lower rates (with any automobile insurance company) for the next 3 years!

4. Another way to save money is to add safety features to your automobile. Most companies offer lower rates for automatic seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and, most importantly, anti-theft devices (alarms).

5. Last but not least, insurance companies give huge discounts for clean driving records.  If this applies to you, make sure it is covered in the quotes you are reviewing.

Auto Insurance La Mesa – State Requirements

California law requires all vehicle owners, both car and truck, to carry a minimum amount of insurance. The minimums for auto insurance La Mesa, as well as the entire State of California, are 15/30/15.

In everyday motorist language that means to drive your vehicle on the roads in CA you need insurance coverage of at least $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injuries per accident and $15,000 for property damage.

To get the best rates, it’s advisable to shop around using a free online comparison system like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less.

Auto Insurance La Mesa – Recommended Liability Minimums

But don’t go with the bare minimums as you will be grossly underinsured.  I recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100.  The upgrade will only cost you a few dollars per year and could spare you from financial ruin if you are found to be at fault in an accident involving multiple vehicles.

Auto Insurance La Mesa – Other Coverage to Consider

The above minimums are just for liability coverage and, as such, do not cover injuries to you and damages to your car.

To provide for you and your car, the following coverages should be considered.

• Collision – Covers collision damages to your car.
• Comprehensive – Covers your car for theft and damages caused by fire, vandalism, animal impact and Mother Nature.
• Personal Injury Protection – Covers you for bodily injury.
• Uninsured Motorist – If the party at fault is underinsured, this coverage will make-up the shortfall pertaining to you and your car.
• Gap insurance – Insures you for the difference between the loan amount on your car and actual market value. Inexpensive and essential if you own/lease a new vehicle.

Auto Insurance La Mesa – Factors that Influence Your Premiums

• Women vs. men – Women pay less…they are involved in less accidents.
• Urban drivers – Pay more for a variety of reasons.
• Type of vehicle – Sports and high performance cars pay more.
• Age of vehicle – Older, depreciated cars pay less.
• Driving and credit history – Clean records pay less…very critical.
• Your age – Ages 25 to 60 pay less.
• Marital status – Being married pays less…lol.

A little research is necessary to get the best coverage at affordable rates. The internet is a boon of information. Use it to your benefit.

In New Jersey, drivers have two options for purchasing insurance.  The basic plan allows you to be in compliance with the state’s insurance requirements and offers $10,000 for injury/death and $5,000 for property damage.

The standard liability insurance plan offers more coverage than the basic plan.  This plan includes a minimum of $15,000 for bodily injuries for one person per accident, $30,000 for all bodily injuries in one accident, $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and $15,000 in personal injury protection coverage.

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Recommended Minimums

Considering that the average cost of a new vehicle is $28,000 these days, it is plain to see that a multiple car accident could easily result in damages well in excess of $100,000. Obviously, none of the NJ minimums are adequate.

I recommend the following as bare minimums.

$100,000 bodily injury per person

$300,000 bodily injury per accident

$100,000 property damage

$300,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist

$250,000 personal injury protection

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Other Coverage to Consider

And this doesn’t include damages to your car. Also consider the following coverage.

• Collision – Covers collision damages to your car.
• Comprehensive – Covers your car in case of theft and damages caused by vandalism, fire, acts of God and animal impact.
• Gap insurance – Protects you for the difference between the loan balance on your vehicle and its actual market value. Important if you own/lease a new vehicle…and not expensive.
• Vehicle rental – Pays for a rental vehicle if your car is out of service due to accident.
• Towing insurance – Covers towing if your car is disabled. AAA membership and certain credit cards provide this benefit so you may not need it on your policy.

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Determining Financial Responsibility

New Jersey is a no-fault state.  This means that your insurance company must pay for your expenses if you are in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Auto Insurance Card

If you are pulled over and asked for proof of insurance, you must provide the law enforcement officer with a valid insurance identification card.  The penalties for driving without insurance are:

First offense – $300 fine, license suspension for one year and community service.

Second offense – $500 fine, 14 days in jail, license suspension for two years and 30 days of community service.

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Comparison Shop

Those who know how to keep their costs down, understand that asking questions is the way to get savings on just about anything. When looking for auto insurance NJ, you need to find out which discounts apply to your situation. And the best way is to go through a list of questions. More on that in a second.

First you need to get three to five NJ quotes so you can compare what is being offered compared to the coverage you have now. You can do that online in a few minutes. Use an auto quote finder like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less. You’ll only need to enter your information once and 4 quotes will be emailed to you in short order.

You now have 5 quotes to work with…your current policy plus your four new quotes. You may want to eliminate the two most expensive and work only with the remaining three.

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – These Questions Will Save You Money

Ask these questions and review your quotes to see if the discounts that you are eligible for are included.

* What is your deductible? Should you raise it to $500 or $1,000?

* Does your own health insurance cover auto accident injuries? If so, it might make sense to reduce the personal injury protection portion of your car insurance.

* Is there a discount for insuring more than one car?

* Do you qualify for a long term customer discount?

* No accident in more than 3 years? Does a discount apply?

* Has it been three years since your last ticket…a discount may be available?

* Is there a driver training course discount for those that have taken the course?

* Have you taken a defensive driving course…another discount?

* If you have anti-theft devices are you eligible for discount?

* Don’t drive much per year? Can you get a low mileage discount?

* How about a discount for airbags?

* Does driving in the daytime with running lights on qualify for a discount?

* Is there a discount if you buy auto insurance and home owners insurance from the same company?

* Do the college students in the family live away from home?

Auto Insurance Quote NJ – Finalize Policy Details

Identify discounts that may apply but are not mentioned on the quotes. Phone the insurance company and ask whether they allow for that discount. Since you are talking to them anyway, ask for their suggestions for additional discounts.

By using that list and reviewing your quotes, you are then prepared to choose the right policy for you. Having done the right homework, hundreds of dollars in savings should be yours. Congratulations on a job well done!

As a resident of California, it is required that you have vehicle insurance. Drivers that are uninsured will face heavy penalties such as fines, having their license suspended and vehicle impounded.  If you are driving in California uninsured, stop immediately. Getting caught will haunt you for years.

The minimum liability coverage according to California state auto insurance law is low and by no means are these figures sufficient…a prudent person will carry coverage well in excess of these limits.

Currently, California state auto insurance regs necessitate all registered vehicle owners to hold at least 15/30/15 liability cover.  That means:

$15,000 will be paid out per individual

$30,000 will be paid for all parties per accident

$15,000 will be paid for total property damage

Vehicles valued at $50,000 or more are common these days…especially in California.  The reimbursement cost of a broken arm can go upwards of $25,000 when hospitalization, surgery and rehab are considered.  So, it’s plain to see that a serious accident involving several vehicles will easily exceed the CA minimums.

I recommend no less than 100/300/100 and significantly more if you can afford it.  It won’t increase your premiums substantially and could save you from financial ruin.

We’ve talked about liability coverage so far…that takes care of the other parties if you are at fault. Don’t forget about you and your vehicle.

You, first.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will take care of your medical bills related to an auto accident.  Consider PIP in conjunction with any separate medical and accident coverage that you may already have…no need to pay for duplicate coverage.

Your car next.

When you hear the term “full coverage”, it usually means car insurance that includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance pays for damages to your car less a predetermined deductible amount.   Comprehensive takes care of damages to your car that are unrelated to an accident.  These include fire, theft, vandalism and damage caused by act of nature or animal impact.

And I certainly wouldn’t forget coverage for uninsured motorists.   It’s not your fault, but he can’t pay…this coverage could save your bacon.  And will only cost a few bucks to add it to your policy.

California has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country and you will be surprised how significantly rates differ from company to company.  So the moral of the story is “shop around”…and the easiest way is to use an online comparison shopping service like Quote Wizard or 2Insure4Less.

You complete an online form and they will send you 3-4 quotes from reputable insurance companies.  Compare those to your present policy and make a few phone calls to get your questions answered.  Then decide which coverage and insurer if best for you and your family.

Be sure to protect yourself and your family from financial disaster by carrying the proper amount of insurance on your vehicles.  Otherwise, take the bus.

Finding the right auto insurance can be quite a tricky job. The best approach is to obtain a range of quotations, compare them and figure out the one that gives you the best deal possible.

It’s important to be equipped with the right knowledge before you decide upon which auto insurance to buy. Depending on which state you live in, your insurance premiums could be a smaller or larger piece of your budget.

Statistics on Car Insurance Columbus

Though every state has different minimum insurance levels, they are all comprised of three fundamental parts:

• Individual Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Bodily Injury Liability covers other people’s bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. It also provides for legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. National BIL minimums are between $10,000 and $50,000…Ohio’s BIL minimum is $12,500.
• Total Bodily Injury Liability: Total BIL is for the sum of all bodily injuries resulting from the accident .This insurance sets a maximum total amount of liability that is covered for all persons involved in an accident. State minimums range from $20,000 to $100,000. Total BIL minimum in Ohio is $25,000.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL): Property Damage Liability covers you if your car damages someone else’s property. Usually it is their car, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in an accident. It also covers legal expenses if another party files a lawsuit against you. Nationwide PDL minimums range from $5,000 to $25,000 and the Ohio PDL minimum is $7,500.

As the number of cars on the road is increasing at a brisk pace, the frequency of car accidents is on the rise. Many cars you see on the road are valued at $50,000 or more…therefore it’s easy to see that actual property damages frequently exceed the Ohio minimums. The same applies for bodily injuries. As mentioned above, the minimum insurance requirements in Columbus, Ohio are 12.5/25/7.5.  But I strongly recommend that you purchase more than the bare minimums.

It’s undeniably a smart move to get higher coverage levels by paying a few more dollars. It won’t cost much and you will greatly reduce the risk of being underinsured… especially when multiple parties and vehicles are involved. I suggest you insure above the state minimums to a more secure level like 100/300/100.

Increasing cases of auto thefts make vehicle insurance even more important.

Car Insurance Columbus – Crime Statistics 2007

The average cost of car insurance nationwide is $817 per annum.  The average cost in Ohio is $654…indicating that insurers have determined that the risk of accident and cost of insurance reimbursement are less in Ohio than the national average.

Auto insurance is required by law in California and uninsured drivers face stiff penalties. Namely, suspension of license, fines and vehicle impoundment.  Aside from these penalties, it is extremely unwise to drive uninsured as you are putting everything you own at risk. In other words, don’t even think about it.

The Southern California auto insurance requirement is 15/30/15. Here are the basic components.

• Bodily Injury Liability or BIL (per person coverage) $15,000
• Total Bodily Injury Liability (per accident coverage)  $30,000
• Property Damage Liability or PDL (damage toward vehicles, non-medical expenses, telephone poles and road sign damage)  $15,000

But don’t be fooled into thinking these minimums are adequate.

Vehicles valued at $50,000 or more are common these days…especially in California.  The reimbursement cost of a broken arm can go upwards of $25,000 when hospitalization, surgery and rehab are considered.  So, it’s plain to see that a serious accident involving several vehicles will easily exceed the CA minimums.

I recommend no less than 100/300/100 and significantly more if you can afford it.  It won’t increase your premiums substantially and could save you from financial ruin.

And, of course, this only liability coverage.  It covers only damages to other people and their property if you are at fault.  You must also consider insuring yourself and your vehicle, as well as coverage such as uninsured motorist and loss of use protection.

Statistics on Southern California Auto Insurance

Southern California Auto Insurance offers “Pay-as-you-drive”

California’s Insurance Commissioner Poizner has proposed a plan allowing insurance companies to offer coverage that is paid based on miles driven.

This is something like buying prepaid cellular phone minutes… consumers would pay in advance for a certain number of miles driven over a particular time span.

Insurance companies will be able to precisely observe a driver’s car usage allowing them to correctly charge them. Those that choose to buy this mileage verification policy should experience considerable savings.

How is all this tracking going to take place? Several options include odometer readings by:

• Self-reporting
• Insurer’s agent/broker
• Automobile repair centers
• Smog check stations

There is a device as well, that can be installed in the customer’s vehicle to track miles driven. The proposed regulations specify that these devices can not be used to determine the vehicle whereabouts!

Consumer advocates are supporting the plan because paying for miles actually driven (instead of the insurance company’s estimate) should provide a savings to drivers able to minimize commuting.

Environmentalists, of course, are in support of this type of Southern California auto insurance because it will encourage consumers to drive less…leading to lower fuel consumption, reduced pollution and less road congestion.  Californians will then breathe easier and experience fewer road rage attacks.