State law requires you to have auto liability insurance, and if you still owe money on your car, your lender requires that you also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Auto insurance pays for damages, injuries, and other losses specifically covered by your policy. Read your policy carefully to know exactly what it covers. Pay special attention to the exclusions section, which lists the things your policy doesn't cover. The front page of your policy is called the declarations page. It contains useful information such as the exact name of your insurance company, your policy number, and the amount of each of your coverage's and deductibles.
Shopping for DFW Auto Insurance
Rates vary widely among companies, so it pays to shop around. Following are some useful tips to help you find the best deal for your money:
- Decide before shopping what coverage's you need.
- Consider choosing a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay yourself before the insurance company will pay. Higher deductibles will lower your premium, but remember that you'll have to pay more out of your own pocket if you have a claim.
- Because rates vary, ask several companies and agents for price quotes. Make sure the quotes you get are for the same coverage's.
- When getting a price quote or applying for insurance, answer questions truthfully. Wrong information could cause you to get an incorrect price quote or could lead to a denial or cancellation of coverage.
Consider factors other than price - including a company's financial rating and its complaint index. Financial ratings indicate a company's financial strength and stability, while its complaint index indicates a company's customer service record. Buy only from licensed companies and agents.
- Ask your agent whether you qualify for any discounts the company may offer.
Understanding Rates
State law requires rates for insurance offered to be reasonable, adequate, not excessive to the risks for which they apply, and not unfairly discriminatory. Auto insurance companies set their own rates and then file them for review. Companies do not have to receive prior approval before putting their rates into effect, but if it is determined that a company's filed rates are excessive, the company can be ordered to make refunds to consumers who were overcharged.
Discounts and Surcharges
Discounts can help you save money on your premium. Following is a list of some of the discounts commonly available:
- defensive driving and driver education courses for young drivers
- airbags and other passive restraints
- two or more cars on a policy
- your age and annual mileage driven
- policy renewal with a good claims and driving record
- anti-lock brakes
- a parent or family whose young driver is away at school without a car
- cars with automatic daytime running lights
- students with good grades.
If you have a poor driving record, you can expect to pay more for your insurance. Companies may add surcharges to your premium for the following:
- accidents (the more accidents, the higher the surcharge)
- moving violations (speeding, etc.)
- involuntary manslaughter
- driving under the influence
- criminally negligent driving
- driving without a license or with a suspended license.
Learn more about auto insurance including types of coverage and factors that affect your insurance premium. Contact us to get free auto insurance quote at (817) 626-3339.
Posted Tuesday, November 16 2010 12:24 PM
Tags : insurance, dallas, fort worth, dfw, auto, policy, premiums, discounts, shopping for insurance
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