Auto Insurance Questions And Answers
Auto Insurance in Houston
How can you lower your car insurance premium? Can young drivers find affordable auto insurance? Does buying property and casualty coverage from the same company save money? You have questions about your coverage and we have answers.
Does Car Insurance Cost More If You Don't Have Previous Coverage?
Yes. Since you are driving without required liability (and perhaps collision and comprehensive) coverage, you are breaking the law and subject to possible fines and license suspension. Also, most research indicates that uninsured drivers are more likely to cause accidents and property damaged than covered drivers.
Is It More Expensive To Insure A Leased Vehicle Instead Of Buying The Same Vehicle?
No. The cost of the policy, assuming all coverage is identical, is the same. Regardless if you have a Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Ford, or Nissan, leasing will not raise the cost of the policy. However, since the minimum allowed leasing liability limits are typically $100,000 per person, and $300,000 per accident, if your current limits are lower, they will need to be increased. Also, the maximum allowed collision and comprehensive deductibles are often $500.
How Often Should You Shop And Compare Rates?
Typically, every 2-4 years. It's always a good idea to compare your current premium with two or three other carriers. Our website makes it easy to instantly compare multiple company rates and coverage. You can also contact each insurer separately, although the process would take much longer. It is possible that your existing company may offer the best options, especially if you have other property and casualty products with them.
How Quickly Can You Get A Free Car Insurance Quote?
When utilizing our website, typically, it takes less than five minutes. Rates are always current, and it's easy to view prices from multiple companies. Your zip code is required along with some additional basic information. If you want to apply for coverage, the online process is also very quick. Once your policy is active, changes to vehicles and drivers can be made quickly online or via the telephone. You can also update or change the billing mode, liability limits, and deductibles.
Which Vehicles Are The Cheapest To Insure?
Naturally, the least expensive cars tend to cost less to cover, although there are exceptions. And of course, older vehicles, assuming the same make and model, will be cheaper than the new models. Several low-cost options include: Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Smart Fortwo, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Soul, Honda Fit, and Kia Forte. Small and mid-size SUVs also typically have competitive pricing.
Can Anybody Be Covered On A Policy?
No. Typically, only family members that are residing at your residence can be listed as covered drivers. And of course, these drivers must have a valid driver's license. If any of the family members have their own coverage, then you should not be charged an extra premium. However, proof of coverage may be required to ensure you are not paying a higher premium. A current declarations page will typically suffice.
As My Car Gets Older, The Rate Doesn't Always Reduce. Sometimes, It Goes Up. Why?
As your car (or truck) gets older, the market value depreciates, and it's natural to assume that the premium reduces. But actually, only part of the premium goes down. Other components of your rate include the cost of repair (including materials, parts, and hourly wage), the value of other vehicles on the road, the cost of litigation and the chances of a lawsuit being filed, and the cost of healthcare benefits, if medical expenses are to be paid.
As newer vehicles replace older vehicles, the average cost of property damage increases, which, along with the other previously-mentioned factors, offsets the savings from your car depreciating. Purchasing used vehicles can help keep your premiums fairly low. However, the increased repair cost may exceed the car insurance savings.
I Drive For Uber. How Is My Car Insurance Affected?
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing companies typically provide their drivers up to $1 million of liability and uninsured motorists coverage. The benefits begin after the passenger has been picked up. With some companies, coverage can extend to before and after the ride requests. Commercial coverage may not be needed, depending on the carrier that is insuring the vehicle. When the app is turned off, the Uber driver's private coverage becomes effective again.
If I Move To A Different State, Can I Keep The Same Policy?
Generally, when you move to a different state, the policy will need to be reissued, since your rating and service area is changing, and, state minimum liability limits will also likely be different. Prices will change, especially if you are moving from a suburban area to an urban area or vice verse. Additional coverage may be required (PIP benefits) if your new location is a no-fault state. It's also possible that your existing carrier offered extremely competitive rates in your prior state, but has very high pricing in the new state.
Should My Auto And Home Be Insured By The Same Company?
Although a multi-policy discount generally offers a 10%-20% discount on your auto and home, if covered by the same carrier, in most situations, you pay less by using two different companies. This is because it is unusual for a single carrier to offer the most competitive property AND casualty products in a specific zip code or county. For example, State Farm, Erie, or Progressive may be your best options for your vehicles, and Farmers or Allstate may feature the best prices for your primary home and investment properties. Motor homes, mobile homes, and RVS can often be covered by the same carrier that insures your private automobiles. The rate, however, may not be competitive.
When Is The Best Time To Take Collision Coverage Off A Vehicle?
Once a car or truck is no longer financed, you may delete the collision and comprehensive coverage. Of course, liability coverage is mandatory and must remain as long as you are driving the vehicle. If the semi-annual cost of collision benefits is nominal, and the market value of the vehicle is fairly significant, then no changes should be made.
Antique and classic automobiles can be insured for their appraised value. An official appraisal will be required by your present carrier, and an updated appraisal may be required every five years.
Whether your state is "no-fault," may also be a factor. Since the cost of keeping physical damage coverage to your vehicle is more than the cost of fire, theft, glass breakage, and vandalism, you can retain comprehensive and remove collision coverage.
Note: "Gap" coverage is different than collision coverage. A Gap rider provides protection against a vehicle that rapidly depreciates, and at the time of a total loss, is worth less than what is owed to the finance company. Typically, the rider is purchased when little or no down-payment is made at the time the car or truck is purchased.
If Our Child Buys A New Vehicle, Should The Title Be In Their Name?
Although you have a choice of title owner, generally, it is advantageous and more economical to title the vehicle in a parent's name. Why? You'll retain valuable discounts, including multi-policy, multi-car, home-ownership, loyalty, and perhaps several others. Also, if multiple at-fault accidents or moving violations occur, you are less likely to be cancelled.
Typically, a good time to title the vehicle in Junior's name is when they move out of the household. If they have a major violation on their driving record (DUI or DWI), the premium is likely to double or triple. Affordable auto insurance rates for teenagers are available, but it requires a bit more shopping than finding coverage for adult drivers.
Source: carinsurancezoom
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