Are you looking for car insurance? Do you need to change your provider? The topic of auto insurance can be very confusing.
If you don’t understand what you’re looking for, you may get the wrong coverage. Paying for a plan you don’t need can lead to unnecessary expenses. The first step is to know what types of coverage are available.
UNDERSTAND THE COVERAGE AVAILABLE
LIABILITY
Liability coverage is one of the most basic types of auto insurance and is required by law in Vermont. It covers damage your car causes to other people or their property.
COLLISION
Collision insurance covers repairs to your car if it hits another vehicle or fixed object. It can pay up to the car’s current value, minus your deductible. If you have an older automobile with a low resale value, it may not be worth paying for collision coverage.
COMPREHENSIVE
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle by things like hail, floods, fire, vandalism, or theft. If your car is stolen or is declared a total loss, you can receive up to the current cash value of your vehicle, minus your deductible. This type of coverage also isn’t worth it if your car has a low cash value.
UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED MOTORIST
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you in case of an accident with someone who does not have insurance or whose coverage is insufficient to pay the damage owed to you. UM/UIM coverage is mandatory in Vermont.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS
Medical payments coverage can help pay for medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident. This insurance protects you, your passengers, or family members who are driving the vehicle and is portable so it goes where you go. You are covered if you are sitting on your porch and an uninsured driver smashes into it and hits you. And it’s cheap insurance and you should get it even though it’s not mandatory in Vermont.
This type of policy pays for medical expenses, such as hospital visits, x-rays, and surgery.
Personal injury insurance is similar to medical payments coverage in that it helps with costs related to injuries incurred by accidents.
KNOW THE LAWS WHERE YOU LIVE
In the United States, laws regarding auto coverage vary greatly from one state to another. You’ll need to research the minimum insurance requirements for your location.
If you’re in Canada, look online to find your province’s car insurance requirements. In Alberta, for example, Edmonton insurance brokers can help you find the right coverage for you.
GET AS MANY QUOTES AS POSSIBLE
Once you know what you’re looking for, compare prices at as many insurance providers as possible. Be sure to check both the large companies and smaller regional brokers. This will help you choose the best prices and customer service.
ASK QUESTIONS
You’ll want to get as much information as possible about:
• Whether the broker is giving you the insurer’s lowest price
• How future accidents or tickets might affect the price of your policy
• Any discounts the company offers, for example:
Good driver discount
Online documents discount
Discounts for anti-theft devices in your vehicle
THE BOTTOM LINE
Understanding the coverage available and what’s mandatory in your state will give you a good start toward getting the right insurance for you. Shopping around and asking lots of questions before buying will help you get the best price possible. Happy hunting!
May 7, 2020 Car Insurance Buying Tips for Vermont Drivers
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