Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Auto insurance is large part of being a responsible vehicle owner. However, auto insurance policies seem to be written in the most confusing terms possible. This article can help you to better understand what all of those terms mean. By understanding the terms of the auto insurance world, you will be a more informed consumer.

If you've been thinking about adding aftermarket parts to your car, check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the damage of these parts. Insurance often doesn't cover these parts separately, but only the difference between the value of the car with and without those parts, which is often not a lot.

Many people believe that auto insurance rates go down automatically for young drivers once they reach 25. If you have a good driver record, your premiums will go down as you age, even if you are still under 25.

Never allow your insurance coverage to lapse to keep your rates low. Lapses can easily occur when switching carriers or policies. Use caution and proper timing. Insurance companies will use the gaps as an excuse to raise your rates.

Do not switch cars between family members to keep your premiums low. Making sure each car only has one driver will result in a better price for your insurance.

Always get more than one quote, and get quotes from more than two sources when you are shopping around for auto coverage. Rates will sometimes vary drastically. You should look around for a new quote about once per year. Make sure all of the quotes you compare are based on similar amounts of coverage.

You may be able to drop certain optional features from your automobile insurance policy. By way of illustration, those with old cars of minimal value may consider dropping collision coverage from their policy. Lose the extra benefits of your insurance policy and you'll save money every month. It may be worthwhile to investigate dropping comprehensive and liability provisions, as well.

Speak with your auto insurance company and ask them about discounts they may have. Go through the list of discounts to be sure you get every one that applies so you save money.

If you drive less than a certain mileage a year, such as 7500 miles, you might get a discount from the insurance company. If you are aiming to save some cash on your cheap temporary car insurance, cutting back on the number of miles you drive could be a good idea.

Let your insurance agent know if you see a lower rate and are thinking of switching. They'll usually lower your rates to avoid losing your business.

It is important to understand what the different auto insurance policies cover, in order to determine how much insurance you should need. If you own a lot of expensive things, you should insure them. To clarify, say you own $100,000 in belongings. If a mishap is your fault, the injured party can bring charges against your personal belongings. Insurance only covers the amount stated in bodily injury liability. If you have $10,000 bodily liability coverage, a $50,000 medical bill from the injured party would mean $40,000 paid from your assets. In the long run, it really is best to stay on the safe side, and make sure you have enough coverage.

Look into 100/200/100 liability coverage if you have minimal assets and a decent car. Liability coverage is the foundation of insurance coverage, and is required by most states. You need to make sure you have sufficient coverage to meet required minimums for your location.

A statistic indicating the "consumer complaint ratio" should be shown for many, if not all, the insurance companies doing business in your state. The consumer complaint ratio will help you decide.

Auto insurance contracts are written in such a way that every legal angle is covered in the event of a lawsuit, but this makes the language harder for a layperson to understand. In this article, you will find some useful information to decipher auto insurance terminology, what it means for you and how it can help you make the right choices for your insurance coverage. Purchasing car insurance should be a simple process, and it can be when you have the right information.