Steer Clear of Expensive Car Insurance Mistakes

As the economy continues on its downward spiral, consumers across the nation are tightening their belts and trying to save money wherever they can. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that they’re losing untold amounts of money by overpaying on car insurance.

If you’re looking to save on auto insurance, steer clear of these common car insurance blunders:

Blunder #1: Not shopping around for the best car insurance quote.

If you go with the first car insurance company that comes your way, you could be losing hundreds of dollars each year. It’s worth your while to shop around and try to find the best deal out there. When it comes time to renew your insurance, it may be easy to stick with the same insurer you’ve had for years-but you won’t save any money that way. Car insurance companies will calculate your rates differently, so you may be able to find a much better deal from someone else.

Blunder #2: Choosing your state’s minimum coverage requirements

Although you may be tempted to choose the bare minimum coverage amounts required in your state, this could cost you in the long run. Just because you are in compliance with state laws doesn’t mean that you’re fully protected. If you’re underinsured, a major car accident could wreak havoc on your personal finances. Everyone’s situation and budget is different, so talk to your financial advisor to discuss how much coverage you need.

Blunder #3: Opting for the lowest car insurance deductible

In the car insurance world, the deductible is the amount of money you’ll have to pay out of pocket on car repairs before your insurance company starts covering costs. Many consumers make the mistake of assuming the lowest deductible will save them money. However, this is not always the case.

Generally, if you go with a lower deductible, you’ll have to pay a higher premium. In the long run, you may be able to save more money by choosing a high deductible insurance plan with a lower premium. Do your homework to figure out what makes the most sense for your unique situation.

Blunder #4: Choosing car insurance based only on cost

While you should definitely shop around for a great price on car insurance, this isn’t the only factor you should consider. As you compare car insurance, look at the various benefits each insurer has to offer. Choose the coverage that best suits your needs and then compare prices.

Blunder #5: Missing out on major discounts

If you’re a safe driver or if you insure your car and home with the same company, you may be eligible for a discount. Take some extra time to look into what discounts are available from various insurers. You could save hundreds of dollars this year.