When you’ve got a new car, the last thing you want to think about is car insurance; but there’ll be hefty penalties if you don’t.
12.6% of American drivers are uninsured, and plenty more have accident protection that doesn’t cover them for everything they think it does. Not having the right cover could land you with a fine, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.
If you’re on the road, don’t get caught out because you haven’t got the proper paperwork and policy; learn the basics, and you’ll be covered.
Read on for the top three car insurance policy FAQs.
1. How Do I Get Cheap Car Insurance?
The first question everyone always asks is how to get cheap car insurance coverage. If you’ve got bad motoring history, this is more difficult, but there are a few things you can do:
- Drive fewer miles each year
- Get a dashcam
- Increase your excess
- Only add responsible additional drivers
- Buy a safe vehicle
- Don’t add mods to your car
- Do a driving course
- Pay annually
- Buy 29 days in advance of driving
Each of these tips may seem insignificant alone, but combine them, and you’re talking about knocking a big portion off your quote. The most important thing is honesty; if the insurance company finds out you were lying, it’ll invalidate your claim.
2. What Does My Insurance Cover?
There are different types of insurance. Make sure to check which yours is to know what you’re covered for.
Third-party, fire, and theft policies will cover you if you injure someone or cause damage to their property. As the name suggests, it also protects you against fires and theft. However, it won’t cover claims for the damage to your own car, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Comprehensive policies cover you for all the above but additionally cover you for damage to your own car.
If you’ve bought a nice car, it’s worth opting for a comprehensive cover. If you’re not too bothered about the car, third-party, fire, and theft would be fine.
Additionally, if you’re in Illinois, you should get cheap SR22 insurance; this document states that you have the active liability insurance required by law.
3. How Do I Make a Claim?
If you need to claim, you should get a claim form from your car insurance company. You should always make sure to get the other driver’s insurance details if you can and any additional relevant crime scene footage or evidence.
Depending on your level of cover, there are different processes to follow. Call your insurance company and ask them to walk you through their process for claims.
Before making a claim, consider whether it’s worth losing your no claims bonus and if it’ll still be beneficial after you’ve paid your excess.
The Down Low on Car Insurance
That’s the basics of car insurance; now you know the answers to those three questions, you’re ready to start hunting for the cheapest quote.
Remember, be honest about your motoring, look for a great deal, and make sure you get the correct level of cover.
Are you looking for the best car insurance around? Contact us today for a free quote!
