These Mistakes Will Kill Your Budget!

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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Learning from the mistakes of others is the best way to learn. Since there's no need to burn your hand on the stove yourself, pay careful attention to these common problems and your shopping experience will go a lot more smoothly. You'll find yourself with cheap, reliable insurance, cruising down the strip with a confident and cool smile on your face with your newfound auto-competence.

What's on the line? Money and livelihood-saving coverage.

Research the provider

Too many people just sign a policy because they get low premiums. Then, come collision time, their insurer refuses their claim and they are left in the cold! Don't get taken for a drive. Check the consumer reviews on the company before you agree to anything. In fact, it is a good idea to know who you are willing to work with before you go shopping.

You state consumer advocate agency can help with this, or you can try checking the consumer satisfaction surveys at JDPower.com.

Deductibles

The mistakes go either way on this one.

1. People pay too little on their deductible and wind up paying too much on their premiums
...
... 2. People pay a higher deductible than they can afford in order to get lower payments
To avoid this mistake, set aside the highest amount that you can afford. That way you get the lowest premium you can manage but don't get stuck when you have to pay the money after a collision.

Buying your car

If you've already got your car, perhaps it's too late. But remember for next time, no two cars are insured the same. It's important to check the safety rating, how often it is stolen, and what kind of damage the accidents turn up. These factors will tell you how much the insurance is going to cost. Try using our online quote machine before you buy the car to get an estimate.

Shorthand: the cars that are winning the safety awards and have a lower sticker price than others in their class are usually the cheapest to insure. Hyundai and Subaru seem to be the top cars to insure in 2010, but sometimes the luxury vehicles like Saab are reasonable too.
Don't get a cheaper car only to pay the difference plus some in insurance.

Instant Car Insurance Quotes

There's one big mistake a lot of people make: They forget to use instant car insurance quotes!

However, even if you do remember to use the quotes, use them right. Don't settle for the price on the estimate. You can talk to an agent from the company to ask about discounts and special programs. Try one of the rivals as well because they could give more discounts than the other insurance provider.

Remember, quotes are simply estimates and the prices might be slightly different when you actually work with the provider. Still, they are the best starting place for finding cheap car insurance. Plus, they save you lots of time and aggravation on the phone.

And for goodness sake, review the policies from each company you get a quote from.

Good luck!