7 Steps Toward Purchasing An Auto Insurance Policy

Are you in the market for a new auto insurance policy? Look no further than TFCU Insurance! We’ll help you get the maximum protection for your investment at the best possible price.

Here’s your guide to purchasing auto insurance in 7 easy steps.

Step 1: Choose a way to purchase your policy 

You can choose to buy a policy directly from an insurance company or through an independent insurance broker.

If you already have homeowners or renters insurance, you likely also have the option of purchasing an auto policy through your current insurer. Choosing to bundle policies may give you a discount of as much as 15% off the usual cost of the policy.

If you’re open to purchasing a policy from any company, and you’d rather not spend the next month getting quotes from individual insurance carriers, your best option is using an independent agent. You’ll only need to provide your information to one person, and they will do the research for you. Insurance agents can quote several options from several carriers for you to compare and consider.

Step 2: Decide how much coverage you need 

When choosing a policy, you can opt for maximum coverage, the minimum required by state law or any amount in between.

Here are the primary categories of auto insurance coverage:

Liability coverage. This includes coverage for bodily injuries, property damages or auto damages to another motorist if you’re at fault.

Comprehensive coverage. This will pay for any damage and losses to your car that were not caused by another vehicle, including damage from inclement weather, theft, floods and more.

Personal injury protection. This covers medical bills for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

Collision insurance. This covers the damages to your car if it’s involved in an accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This pays for damages caused by another motorist who does not have sufficient insurance coverage.

Gap insurance. This coverage is exclusively for financed or leased cars. It pays the difference between what you owe and what the car is valued at if there were a total loss of the vehicle.

There are several coverage add-ons you may be interested in as well, including roadside assistance, rental car insurance and rideshare insurance for those employed by a rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft.

Step 3: Determine your risk 

Ask yourself these questions to assess your risk of being in an accident or of your vehicle incurring damages:

How many hours do you drive each week? If you drive an excessive amount, you may want to opt for more coverage.
Are you financing or leasing your car? If you are, consider gap insurance.
Do you drive in high-traffic areas and/or park in an area that has lots of break-ins? Both factors increase your car’s risk of damage and are reasons for increased coverage.
Do you spend many hours driving for business-related reasons?  If so, you may need a commercial policy.
Will any of your children be driving your car? If you have a teenager who will be using your car, it’s a good idea to increase your coverage limits.

Step 4: Fill out an application(s) 

No matter how you choose to apply for car insurance, be prepared to supply the following information:

• The year, make model, and VIN# of your car
• Your driver’s license information
• Your marital status
• Your education
• Your employment status, details and history
• The names and birthdates of everyone who drives your vehicle
• The ownership history of your car

Step 5: Get your quotes 

You’ll get your quotes within a few hours of submitting your application, and sometimes as quickly as within a few minutes.

Your quotes will include several options for the deductible and the premium amounts. In general, a higher deductible, which means paying more out of pocket when you file a claim, will give you a lower premium. While this option might mean there’s more money in your wallet each month, it can spell catastrophe for your finances if your vehicle is involved in a theft or accident requiring expensive repairs. Your best option is to take the middle road and find a plan that offers the maximum deductible you can easily afford along with the lowest premiums.

Step 6: See if you qualify for a discount 

Before signing on a quote, check if you qualify for a discount. Any of the following factors may make you eligible for a cheaper plan:

• Your vehicle has safety features or an alarm system.
• You’re a member of a motor club (ex. AAA)
• You’re a full-time student with a decent academic record.
• You’ve completed a defensive driving or safety course.

Step 7: Choose your policy 

When you have all the details ironed out and you’ve compared several plans, you’re ready to choose an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs. Be sure not to choose your policy on price alone. Insurance is like many other things, you get what you pay for. Choose a policy with the carrier who has a good reputation for claim service and high limits that is within your budget. A good insurance agent can help you choose the best overall package.

Once you’ve made a decision, be sure to pay your premiums in a timely manner and to keep your insurance identification card (if applicable) in your vehicle at all times. If you are involved in an accident or are the victim of theft, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible in order to file a claim.

Your Turn: What’s your best auto insurance tip? Share it with us in the comments!