Getting auto insurance can feel incredibly stressful. The mistakes people are currently making are due to the many options in the insurance industry.
If you’re looking for car insurance, then you already know that you are on the right path. In fact, in the state of North Carolina it’s required by law to have a certain form of insurance, while others are optional.
Mandatory: Liability Insurance
This is coverage that will help pay for injury and damage from a car accident that you cause. Obviously we all want to think we’re great driver’s, but accidents do happen—which is the entire reason the state has made this a requirement. The minimum liability coverage limits are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person, per accident.
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability total per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
Additionally, you will need to add in uninsured motorist coverage, which helps pay for your own accident-related injuries due to a collision from an uninsured driver.
Optional: Collision, Comprehensive, and Towing & Labor
Most insurance companies will add some other types of optional coverage to your plan, if you’d like. Collision covers accidents with other moving vehicles, while comprehensive will cover damage to your car for non-collision incidents (such as vandalism). Towing and labor will help you pay for towing costs.
Again, insurance can be overwhelming, but it is important to truly sit down, take a moment, and understand what kind of coverage you would have with a plan. We recommend avoiding these mistakes when looking for your auto insurance to ensure you get the best rates:
1. Failing To Shop Around
Just like you like to compare other items you buy, make sure you don’t just go with the first quote you receive. Looking at multiple plans will help you understand the pros and cons of each, and while you might not realize it, you’ll learn what you value most to help you hone in on what you need.
2. Going With The Cheapest Option
Price is certainly an important factor, but customer service is a vital part of insurance services. Insurance providers often get bad reputations because people have to jump through hoops to file claims and get reimbursed. If it’s too much effort, or even fruitless, when you file a claim, then it’s smarter to go with a plan that costs a bit more but will actually give you the coverage you need.
3. Paying Premiums Monthly
If you can afford to pay bi-monthly, this could end up saving you some cash. Whether it simply saves on the transaction fees the company charges or even results in a discount on your overall cost, paying more upfront is good for your wallet. You already have enough other monthly payments to make, so why not make your auto insurance an easy one that’s taken care of?
4. Ignoring Discounts
It’s always worth asking an insurance agent what discounts may apply to you. The worst they can say is no! See what each agency offers to make your premium more affordable, and also consider what packages might interest you. For example, if you’re also on the market for life insurance, there may be some kind of reduced price involved for buying both.
If you’re wanting to learn more about Raleigh auto insurance through Amistad Insurance Services, give us a call today! Call us at 919.926.7166 for a free quote.
