Buying motor vehicle insurance can be a daunting task, if not tricky. Surprisingly, in the United States, insurance rates differ depending on which state you live in. Your local DMV will not register your auto unless you comply with the state laws. Your agent can help you with the basics, but he can also advise you to just pay for as much as you can afford. While this may seem logical, since you are assured your limits are sufficient, it may not be the soundest decision you make. You can still save precious money when you know what you are doing.
When considering a motor vehicle insurance quote, remember to ask yourself the following questions:
1. What is the minimum coverage required in your state of residence?
2. Up to what extent or limit is the said coverage?
3. If there are other types of coverage that seem equally important, can you still afford them?
4. What or who are you protecting with the insurance product?
First you have to find out the minimum requirement of your state. Typically, the most basic coverage is third party liability that will compensate for bodily injury or death and property damage. The limits differ in each state. For instance in New York, the minimum is 25/50/10 while in Minnesota it is 30/60/10. The first digits refer to the minimum amount in thousands made available to pay for injuries, while the second digits refer to the maximum amount an insurance company will settle in case of injuries and deaths (per accident). The last digits would be for property damage.
Since the required limits will not cover expenses incurred for your own medical bills and other damages, you might want to also consider getting other types of coverage to complete your motor vehicle insurance. There is comprehensive which will cover your car after collision as well as pay for damages caused by uncontrollable circumstances like flood, fire or animals crossing the street. Then there is also collision coverage that will cover damages on the car regardless of who cause the accident. This is highly recommended for newly purchased vehicles. Lastly, you can also buy coverage to protect you and your passengers from medical and hospital bills caused by injuries.
Consider buying motor vehicle insurance to protect you in the future. No one wants to figure into an accident but investing in something that is vague sometimes help. If you have an enormous net worth on your back, then it would be wise to buy as much insurance as you can. You can save yourself getting sued in the future.
