Car Insurance -- Clarifying Things

When you buy car insurance, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. Under the contract, if your car meets with an accident, the insurance company must pay for the losses. In exchange, you agree to pay the premium.

Property, liability and medical coverage are all covered by car insurance. Damages or theft to your car are paid by property coverage. If you car causes bodily injury or property damage, the liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility.

The medical coverage will pay for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

The validity of most car insurance policies is six months to one year. You must renew the policy once it expires.

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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The penalty for driving a car without insurance is different in different states. Compounding of the car is done is some states. Some states impose heavy fines. If your car is involved in an accident without insurance, the consequences can be serious. You will have to pay out of your own pocket for any injuries or damages.

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.

You are responsible for providing insurance for any car you own regardless of who is operating the car. If you operate a car without insurance, you will be in violating the law.

Finally, a few savings tips...

1. Although this may sound funny, you can bring down your rates by getting married. I know you won't get married just for this but when you do, it will save you a bit in auto insurance. It's commonsense that every person becomes more stable and less reckless once they get married. This stability affects such a person for good when he/she is behind wheels. Insurers will tell you that their records show that married people make fewer claims. Furthermore, when they do make those claims, they usually cost less on the average than those married by their unmarried counterparts.

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2. Your rates will jump through the roof if you modify your car. Things like changing your tires to bigger ones than specified by the manufacturer, adding equipment that will increase your car's horse-power will cost you a lot more.

3. It's easy to save a few hundred dollars on a home but lose thousands over the years on auto insurance because of its location. Do you know also know that homes within the same neighbor might actually fall into different risk zones according to the insurance industry's mapping?

Therefore, take your time to ask your agent what effect your new zip code would have on your rates before you make that down payment. I know: That isn't usually an issue when you're looking for a home but it's really important.

Remember, you might live in this home for up to 20 years or more. If its location makes you pay up to $200 more in premium, that will add up to $4,000 within that time frame.

4. A lot of folks have lost their cars in the short seconds that they took to dash inside to get something while leaving their cars running and unlocked. Don't make this mistake. This simple act makes it very easy for thieves. Every thief checks how easy a target is before making a move. An unlocked car with the engine running? What could be easier?

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5. An alternative for you is to use your parents' auto insurance policy. The fact that you are of driving age means that your parents are of a better risk age bracket.

You have to bear in mind, though, that the vehicle 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 vehicle. If the benefits of "independence" outweigh your car insurance savings then this is definitely not an option for you.

6. The most vital route to massive savings in auto insurance is comparison shopping -- That's if you do it right. You can get quotes that will have a range in excess of $1,000. You could easily save so much by simply picking the lowest quote. That should apply if you're just after the lowest price.

However, if you're after the best price/value then you'd have to look at the details of the lowest quotes. Different insurers may have adjustments for similar policies. It's important that you ask the agent what's included and what's excluded.
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