Auto Insurance 101: How to Buy Your First Policy

You purchased your first car. Now, you need to find an auto insurance policy that protects you. Buying that first policy is a big step, but you can do so with confidence. Learn as much as you can about your risks. Then, choose car insurance that helps minimize your costs. Here is where you should start in this process.

Know Your Options

 Take a closer look at these types of coverage. Most drivers need to consider each one before buying a policy.

Liability Insurance

Most states require drivers to maintain liability insurance. It covers incidents in which you cause damage to another party’s vehicle or property. Choose more than the state’s minimum requirement. That minimum level tends to offer only limited protection in the long term.

Comprehensive Coverage

This protects your vehicle from damage you cannot predict or avoid. This includes damage from storms, fires, and instances of vandalism and theft. Comprehensive coverage is best for those who have a car that’s valuable to them. If you lease or have a loan on it, your lender may require it.

Collision Insurance

You may collide into something, causing damage to your car. Collision insurance covers the damage in this situation. Choose this policy if your car is valuable. Again, your leasing agent or lender requires this type of coverage.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you are in an accident that another driver causes, you would expect that driver’s liability insurance to cover those financial losses. If the other driver does not have coverage or enough of it, this policy helps minimize your risks.

Know the Value and Risks Associated with Your Car

Your auto insurance policy needs to reflect the value of your car. Most often, this means choosing a policy that can replace your vehicle if it is a total loss. Replacement value is more expensive than the actual value, though. You may benefit from actual value coverage, on the other hand, if the value of your vehicle increases over time. Ask your agent at 817-563-5555 about which option you have.

Next, think about your vehicle’s features. What makes it unique or special? Do you have a lot of entertainment features? Is there a lot of technology on board? If so, increase the amount of insurance you have to protect that vehicle.

When you work with your agent, he or she can offer advice and guidance on selecting the right policy for your needs. In most cases, the goal is to help you protect your investment. Discounts and rewards are available for most drivers. These could reduce your costs overall.

Also Read: Why Did My Auto Insurance Costs go up Even When I Didn’t File a Claim?