Car insurance is one of those things that you simply have to pay for. Just as you can’t run your car without putting gas in the tank, you can’t legally get on the road without the state minimum coverages. There are lots of tips and tricks aimed at helping you save money on your car insurance quotes. One you may not have considered is using a car insurance calculator. Try our FREE ZIP code search tool today!
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Premiums
The auto insurance calculator is nothing more than a tool that will help you calculate your insurance costs and compare quotes. By entering the different factors, you can arrive at the coverage you need so you can get accurate quotes. Get the best quotes today with our FREE quote comparison search!
The car insurance premium calculator will provide you with names of providers and their quotes so you can make fast and accurate comparisons.
Liability Coverage
This coverage is mandated by all states and must be carried. It covers other drivers and passengers in the event that you cause an accident. The state minimum coverages are typically notoriously low and can leave you exposed to a lawsuit if the damaged exceed the coverage amount.
The calculator can help you determine what level you should choose. Because this will cover potential medical bills, you can expect it to be at least $100,000 in most cases.
Property Damage
Property damage is not as open-ended as medical bills. It is more likely to be limited to the value of a car that is totaled out or other property that may be damaged.
Medical Bills
If you don’t have private medical insurance, you will want coverage for medical bills through your auto insurance. The calculator can help you determine the amount that is appropriate for you and if it’s necessary at all.
Collision
When you cause an accident, liability coverage won’t pay for the damages to your own car. The calculator will offer recommendations on how large a deductible you should choose for this coverage.
Comprehensive
Storms, thefts and vandals can leave your car damaged. This coverage will get your car back on the road should something happen to your car, although you will have to pay the deductible.
Deductible
You will be able to enter your desired deductible amount. A general rule of thumb is that higher deductibles will provide you with lower premiums. Most companies recommend $500 as a level that will save you money but is not overly difficult to come up with should the need arise.
Driving Record
You will be asked to answer some basic questions about your driving record. Your personal driving history can greatly impact your final rates and the auto insurance company you choose will check your record for themselves. It is important to be completely honest and answer the questions accurately so you can get quotes that are effective and will not be rescinded after your application is processed.
Your Location
Where you live will impact how much you pay for insurance. Some states charge more due to high theft rates or fraud. Others are higher simply because of a greater population and increased risk of accidents. The calculator will automatically take this information into account.
The Car You Drive
Your car matters to the insurance company. They take factors like age and value into account, but they also look at safety equipment that can help prevent high medical bills in the event of an accident. Expect to answer questions about the vehicle you drive.
Driving Distance
People with a longer commute are considered to be at a higher risk for accidents. They are charged higher premiums to offset that risk.
Age
Research shows that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident. You will probably be asked your age and you can expect the premiums offered to reflect that information.
Using the Calculator
The auto insurance calculator starts with a short form. The details you provide about yourself will be basic contact information and zip code. The first thing the tool will do is provide you with information on your state minimum requirements for insurance. After the information is entered, it will start matching you with different companies and giving you the quotes.
The insurance calculator also works to provide you with quotes that match your needs. The information entered regarding coverage levels will be used along with driving history and zip code to find the best providers and the best prices.
ZIP Code Only
Another great feature of these calculators is that you can get quotes based on nothing more than your zip code. This provides customers with the fastest, most basic quotes. Once you have a list of possible insurance providers, you can then research each one to determine who can best meet your needs.
Proper Insurance Coverage
Many people are not carrying enough insurance to protect themselves from accidents and lawsuits. It is a common misconception that the insurance will pay out all claims if you cause an accident.
The fact is that they will only pay up to the maximum level that you are insured for. Suppose you have liability coverage for $15,000 and cause an accident that leaves someone paralyzed. The insurance company will happily pay out $15,000 and you will be responsible for all the other medical bills that will carry throughout that person’s lifetime.
Even if you don’t have assets that can be confiscated and sold, the courts can still dictate that your wages should be garnished to cover the damages.
An auto insurance calculator can help you avoid this situation. By determining what levels of coverage you need, you can drive with confidence knowing that you are protected from lawsuits and your assets are shielded.
Special Programs
Most insurance companies offer special programs. When you receive your quote through the auto insurance calculator, you will also receive information on the different programs that you can take advantage of. Without having to search and sift through different websites, you can quickly see if the company offers new car replacement or a vanishing deductible.
Car Insurance Discounts
Every company has discounts that can help you save money. When making your decision, you should consider the prices after all applicable discounts have been applied to the premium. The insurance calculator can drastically speed up this process. You can quickly see who offers discounts for multiple cars or policies and who will grant you the greatest reward for being a safe driver.
Know What to Protect
One of the reasons you carry higher levels of insurance coverage is to protect your asset. Not all states will allow the courts to take money from retirement accounts, but your earnings are almost always fair game when it comes to paying for damages.
Assets like houses, RV’s and investment accounts should be protected from lawsuits. The auto insurance calculator can guide you through the system so you can get all your assets shielded from potential lawsuits.
Make Quick Changes
One great benefit of the calculator is that you can quickly make changes to see how the premium is affected. You can lower or raise your coverage levels, for instance, to see how the monthly price changes. Choose a higher deductible so you can decide if it’s worth it. You can also change the information on your vehicle. This is especially handy if you are considering purchasing a new automobile.
Convenience
The calculators work incredibly fast and you can have information available to you in fifteen minutes or less. You can make as many changes as you like, without feeling like you’re inconveniencing anyone.
You won’t have to spend hours searching through different provider websites to find the information; it will all be handed to you with the click of a button. Using an auto insurance calculator is incredibly easy.
The system guides you through the questions and will provide feedback to you when necessary. Rather than trying to remember the coverage levels you chose, the system will remember and will compile multiple quotes based on that information.
Let Them Call You
You can expect to receive some calls or e-mails from agents. You can choose to ignore these calls if you wish, or take them so you can ask questions and get the answers you need.
The great thing is that you will not be the one sitting on hold because they will come to you.
Shopping for insurance can be stressful and sometimes customers feel pressured when talking to agents. The auto insurance premium calculators don’t apply any pressure.
They simply provide you with valuable information. You can then use the information to make an informed decision at your own pace and without any uncomfortable pressure from sales agents.
A Mix of Companies
You might think of the big names when it comes to insurance, but the calculator will also consider smaller companies. There are times when the lesser known companies can actually provide you with better service, better coverage and a better price. Find the right company for you with our FREE ZIP code search!
By using the auto insurance calculator, you will know that you are seeing a good mix of providers and their quotes. You can then research companies further by checking with A.M. Best, JD Power and Standard & Poor’s to see whom you will do business with.
There are many benefits to using these tools. They are easy to navigate and can provide you with valuable information that can help you save money. Customers report saving up to 30% by choosing to start their search with an auto insurance calculator. You will save money, time and frustration when you let our quote calculator do the work for you – it’s FREE!