Car Insurance -- Things You Ought To Know

When you buy car insurance, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. Under the contract, the insurance company agrees to pay your losses if your car meets with an accident. Paying the premium is your obligation under the contract.

Car insurance covers property, liability and medical coverage. Damages or theft to your car are paid by property coverage. The liability coverage will pay for your legal responsibility for bodily injury or property damage caused by your car.

The cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses are taken care of by the medical coverage.

Most car insurance policies are valid for six month to a year. When the validity is over, you must renew the policy.

The law in all states require you to have some form of car insurance if you own or operate a car.

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Different states have different penalties for driving a car without insurance. Compounding of the car is done is some states. There are heavy fines in some states. Serious trouble. That's what's in store for you if your car is involved in an accident with insurance. You may have to comply with the financial responsibility laws including having to pay for any injuries or damages out of your own pocket.

Your credit history, the age and type of your car are also vital factors in determining the rate you have to pay for car insurance.

It is your responsibility to provide insurance for any car you own regardless of who is operating the vehicle. If you operate a car without insurance, you will be in violating the law.

Finally, a few savings tips...

1. Getting married will bring down your rate by a huge margin. There is evidence to show that married people are a lot more stable than their unmarried counterparts. This makes them more careful on the road and, therefore, a better risk to insurers. They generally file fewer claims and when they do, they usually cost less.

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2. If you want to keep your rates down, do NOT "pimp your ride." If you want to impress your friends with those extra special features like bigger types than the manufacturer's specification, then be prepared to pay a lot more. So if you're really serious about keeping your rate down, leave your car the way it was manufactured.

3. Do you know that some folks are paying much more in auto insurance because of where their homes are? Homes in the same neighborhood may fall under different risk zones as far as your insurer is concerned.

So check with your agent before you commit to a new home. I know: That isn't usually an issue when you're looking for a home but it's really important.

Since you may live in the same home for decades to come, a difference of $200 in auto insurance rates would amount to thousands over the years.

4. Never leave your car unlocked and running while you dash in to get something. This simple act makes it very easy for thieves. Every thief checks how easy a target is before making a move. It certainly doesn't get easier for a thief than an unlocked car with a running engine.

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5. As an under twenty five, you can pay lower auto insurance premiums if you use your parents' policy. The fact that you're of driving age means that your parents belong to a better risk age bracket.

You must remember that the car must be registered in their name and you must be living with them if you want to use this option. This means that they legally own the car. If the benefits of "independence" outweigh your auto insurance savings then this is certainly not alternative for you.

6. You will save a lot of money in auto insurance if you obtain and compare auto insurance quotes from insurance quotes sites. You'll realize savings if you visit just one quotes site. But, you'll get more by visiting at least five.

The plain reason for this is that you'll obtain many more auto insurance quotes from many more insurance companies. This increases your chances of receiving better rates.