How to Find Good Auto Insurance in Charlotte
Shopping for auto insurance can be difficult; every state has different laws, and there are plenty of options regarding the amount of coverage, type of coverage, and your deductible. It may seem like a complex whirlwind of jargon and upselling, but with a little bit of research and extra effort, you can find coverage that works for you without spending a fortune.
If you really want the best price on the best auto insurance, you have to determine your needs, learn about the coverage requirements in your state, and make some important choices regarding your coverage.
State Requirements
As much as auto insurance can help you in the event of an accident, the main reason for purchasing it is complying with state laws. Most states require you to have a certain amount of coverage for bodily injuries to the other party, property damage, and in some cases, personal injury protection. The amount of coverage required depends on the state.
In some states, you’re not actually required to have insurance at all. Virgina and New Hampshire are the two states that only require their drivers to have a way of paying for the damage. This requirement can be satisfied with insurance or by other means. Even though these states don’t necessarily require you to carry insurance, you can still be found at fault for an accident, so it’s a good idea to carry the minimum recommended coverage.
Charlotte auto insurance laws require you to carry insurance for bodily injury and property damage, though, so you’ll need coverage there no matter what.
Determining Your Needs
So, now that you’ve figured out what you’re legally required to carry for auto insurance in your state, it’s time to figure out what you need out of your insurance policy. First, let’s talk about the different parts of an auto insurance policy.
Your premium is the amount you pay each month. For some people, the premium is paid in one payment that covers six months. Your premium will vary depending on what kind of car you have, your driving record, where you live, your type of coverage, and your deductible.
Your deductible is the dollar amount at which your insurance provider begins to pay for damages. If you have a $500 deductible, you will have to pay out of pocket for any damages that are less than $500. You’ll also have to pay your deductible out of pocket when you file a car insurance claim, so the lower it is, the less burden there is on you.
The thing about deductibles is that when you’re dealing with damage from an accident, almost no repair will be cheaper than your deductible. Even a simple fender bender is likely to cost you at least a thousand bucks, and that cost will quickly rise when you’re talking about a serious accident or an accident involving a brand-new car. If you’re looking to lower your premium and aren’t worried about paying for small repairs yourself, consider lowering your deductible.
Full coverage is when your insurance provider pays for damages to both you and the other parties’ vehicles in the event of an accident. With liability coverage, damages to your car won’t be covered. You’re generally only required to carry full coverage on a vehicle for which you still owe money. If you have an older vehicle or aren’t concerned about recouping damages to your car, you can stick with liability coverage to save money.
A lot goes into choosing auto insurance, but it’s not rocket science. If you’re willing to do a little bit of research and take your time, you can find great car insurance at a reasonable price.
Leave a Reply