Auto liability insurance is a requirement if one wishes to legally operate a motor vehicle. There is a broad range of coverage options available, the prices of which will vary significantly among the different policies available. To locate the best car or truck insurance rates, consumers should be willing to put forth a suitable amount of time and effort.
However, before choosing a policy, it is important to determine the amount of coverage needed. In virtually all states, there is a specific amount of insurance that is mandatory, but this does not mean that additional coverage is unnecessary. Rather, certain individuals are wise to invest in policies that cover more than their state’s minimum liability requirements.
Types of Policies and Coverage
Because not all motorists need the same amount of insurance for their truck or automobile, there are several types of policies available, rather than a one-size-fits-all option. For example, basic comprehensive collision coverage pays for damage that occurs as the result of a truck or auto accident. It pays for repairs to the policyholder’s automobile, as well as damage to another person or car if the policyholder was at fault.
Another type of comprehensive coverage is referred to as “full coverage,” and will pay for the damage mentioned above, as well as damage or loss resulting from other incidents, such as vandalism, theft, fire or flood. If a car or truck is not yet paid off, the lending institution who issued the loan for the vehicle will require full coverage until the final payment is made.
Liability only is a type of insurance that pays for damage done to another person or automobile, but damage to the policy owner’s car or truck is not covered. For vehicles that are paid off, particularly older cars or trucks, auto liability only is sometimes the most cost-effective option.
How Rates are Determined
Regardless of which type of insurance one chooses, there are several factors that determine the cost of the policy. These include the age of the automobile or truck, the person’s age, and his or her driving record and credit score.
Those who have received a substantial number of citations are sometimes charged more for truck or car insurance, particularly if the citations were for speeding: it is an established fact that motorists who speed are much more likely to get into accidents with other drivers than those who typically adhere to speed limits. The amount of traveling a person does may also affect his or her premiums. As one would suspect, those who spend more time on the road have a greater likelihood of eventually becoming involved in a motor vehicle collision, thus making them a poorer risk.
Drivers with a history of frequent accidents can also expect to pay more for automobile insurance than those who have not had these problems. Similarly, consumers with poor credit are often charged more than those who have good credit scores. Such issues should be discussed with a licensed agent before a policy is selected.
Choosing an Insurance Company
It is important to comparison shop before making a final decision. All companies will state that their rates are the best, but certain agencies offer distinctly lower rates than their competitor’s.
Obtaining word-of-mouth recommendations and reading customer reviews online is also helpful activity. The industry is very competitive, which can be used to the consumer’s advantage when shopping for rates. For this reason, it is never wise to choose the first policy offered. Anyone in need of auto liability insurance or liability insurance for a truck or commercial vehicle should compare multiple policies to ensure that the most appropriate option is selected.
