Car Insurance -- Things You Need To Know

By buying a car insurance policy, you are entering into a contact with the insurance company. Under the contract, the insurance company agrees to pay your losses if your car meets with an accident. In exchange, you agree to pay the premium.

Car insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage. Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. If you car causes bodily injury or property damage, the liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility.

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. 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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Different states have different penalties for driving a car without insurance. Some states impound your car. Heavy fines are imposed 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 will play an important role 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. It is illegal for cars to be operated without insurance.

Finally, a few savings tips...

1. Marriage is something that will do your auto insurance rates a world of good. This is true even though you can't just go off to marry just because of this. 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. 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. If you want to keep your rates down, do NOT "pimp your ride." 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. Any changes to your vehicle takes your rates up.

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. Also note that a neighbor not too far away might fall under a lower crime zone than you -- This affects rates.

So, as part of your home shopping activities, check how this neighborhood will affect your auto insurance rate. This doesn't come readily to mind when you're shopping for a new home. Does it?

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. If you must quickly get something inside, turn your car off, lock up and pocket your keys. Don't leave your car unlocked and running. This simple act makes it very easy for thieves. Car thieves are known to go for easy targets. It certainly doesn't get easier for a thief than an unlocked car with a running engine.

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5. Using your parents' auto insurance policy is an option for you an under 25. Your parents are part of a lower risk age group.

There are two things you must do for this to be possible: The car must be registered in your parents' name and you must live with them. This means that they legally own the car. If the benefits of "independence" outweigh your car insurance savings then this is definitely not alternative for you.

6. You might save several hundreds of dollars by simply getting and comparing quotes from at least five quotes sites. And, it will take you only about 25 minutes on the whole.
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