If you were among the many teens who were added to their parents’ existing car insurance policy after receiving that coveted driver’s license, you’re not alone. But as you strike out on your own, you will need separate coverage. To prepare for this new experience, here are some questions to ask insurance providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

4 Questions to Ask About Car Insurance

What type of coverage do I need?

In most states, drivers are only required to have liability insurance. This type of coverage pays for the property damage and medical expenses caused by a driver who is found at fault for an accident. If you are financing a vehicle through a bank or other lender, they will typically require collision and comprehensive coverage until the car or truck is paid off. There are other optional car insurance policies, depending on your driving needs. These include personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

What is a deductible?

The way car insurance works is a driver pays a certain amount of out-of-pocket costs to cover accident-related expenses. This is called the deductible. Once that threshold is met, the insurance provider picks up any remaining costs. Keep in mind the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium payment may be and vice versa.  

How can I lower my premium payments?

Many car insurance providers offer discounts that can reduce the amount you pay for coverage each month. For instance, a vehicle with security alarms and air bags may be eligible for discounts. Setting up automatic payment withdrawals can also lower premiums.

Does the type of car I have affect the coverage amount?

There are certain vehicles that may carry higher or lower premiums. Car insurance providers track historical data on which vehicles are most likely to be involved in accidents. Because some high-performance sports cars fall into this category, coverage might be higher. Vehicles with better safety inspection records could translate into lower premium payments. If you’re in the process of buying a car or truck, check its vehicle rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety first.

Buying car insurance for the first time doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing. BestRate Auto Insurance in Statesboro and Vidalia, GA, is your trusted resource for securing affordable and customized coverage. The local agency works on your behalf by comparing policies and pricing from some of the nation’s leading carriers, including Progressive®, Mercury®, and Travelers®. To get started with free insurance quotes, call (912) 489-5942 in Statesboro or (912) 403-3250 in Vidalia. The friendly and bilingual agents specialize in working with people who haven’t been able to get coverage due to poor credit or bad driving records, or those who only have an international driver’s license. Visit the website for information on the agency’s full suite of products and services.