How Car Insurance Quotes Differ By State
If you own a car, you must have car insurance coverage. This is the law; however; there are many uninsured motorists on the road. It is for this very reason that it is so very important that you carry insurance to protect yourself and your vehicle. There are many insurance companies and it should not be difficult to get car insurance quotes. Look for more than one quote and understand the policy thoroughly. Make sure it covers every contingency because it would be disastrous to find out after an accident that certain things were, or are not, covered.
State car insurance requirements will differ, so it is important that you check the requirements in the state you live in so that you are not under-insured when searching for a car insurance quote. There is usually a basic or minimum coverage required per state.
Once you have met the minimum factors in coverage, other factors come in to play. Some factors are where you live, how many people drive your car, ages of the drivers and the type of car you drive. Sometimes, if you live in a state that is prone to very bad weather or heavy winter periods, this can raise the rates because the risk of accidents are higher than average. If you have more than one driver, this can also affect the rates and if you allow a teenager to drive, this can skyrocket your rates because of their lack of experience. Another major factor is the driving record of each driver. Many states have a point system and the more tickets you receive or accidents you are involved in, the higher your rates may be. Knowing all of these factors is very important when searching for affordable car insurance.
Never assume that your insurance company will give you the same coverage you had if you move to another state. While they may continue to give you insurance coverage, they may need to adjust the policy to suit the requirements and laws of the state you move to. Also check to make sure your insurance company will cover you in another state. Some companies only cover a certain state, county or region. Shopping around for multiple quotes is a good idea because you may get a better rate than the one you currently pay for, or you may be able to get a better rate with the company you are already with because of the new location. They may not offer it so you should ask them when you give them a change of address notice. Do what you can to keep your rates affordable such as limiting drivers, carpooling and keeping your car in good shape.
