Are you sick and tired of trying to scrape together enough money each month for auto insurance? Your situation is no different than the majority of other people in Texas. Popular companies such as Progressive, State Farm and GEICO persitently shower you with TV and radio ads and it is challenging if not impossible to see through the deception and take the time to shop coverage around.
The most recommended method to compare rates is to take advantage of the fact all the major auto insurance companies participate in online systems to compare their rates. To start a quote, the only thing you need to do is give them some information such as if you lease or own, the ages of drivers, how your vehicles are used, and whether you are married. That information is automatically sent to multiple companies and you receive quotes quickly.
If you would like to start a quote now, click here and enter your coverage details.
These seven discounts can lower your auto insurance quotes
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but companies offer discounts that you may not even know about. Most are applied at the time of purchase, but some discounts are required to be inquired about before they will apply.
- Dallas Homeowners Discount – Just owning your own home can save a few bucks because it requires a higher level of personal finance.
- Good Students Pay Less – Maintaining excellent grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
- Use Seat Belts – Forcing all vehicle occupants to buckle their seat belts may be able to save a few bucks on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
- Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment could qualify for a slight premium decrease on Venza coverage but check with your company.
- Auto/Home Discount – If you can bundle your home and auto insurance and place coverage with the same company they may give you a discount of up to 20% off your total premium.
- Save over 55 – If you’re over the age of 55, you are able to get a small decrease in premiums on Venza coverage.
- Safe Driver Discounts – Accident-free drivers may receive a discount up to 45% on Venza coverage than drivers with accidents.
Just know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates it’s possible to get free car insurance, it’s just not the way it works.
A few companies that may offer many of the previously listed discounts possibly include:
Before you buy a policy, ask each company which discounts you qualify for. All car insurance discounts may not be offered everywhere. If you would like to view auto insurance companies that offer the discounts shown above in Dallas, click here to view.
Different people need different auto insurance coverages
When choosing adequate coverage, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether or not you will benefit from professional help.
- What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
- Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
- Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
- What are Texas no-fault laws?
- Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
- Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.
Information about specific coverages
Having a good grasp of a auto insurance policy aids in choosing which coverages you need at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring. Below you’ll find typical coverages found on most auto insurance policies.
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision – Comprehensive insurance pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like vandalism, damage from getting keyed, hitting a bird, falling objects and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The highest amount you’ll receive from a claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Coverage for liability – Liability insurance protects you from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property that is your fault. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show policy limits of 100/300/100 that translate to a limit of $100,000 per injured person, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and a limit of $100,000 paid for damaged property.
Liability coverage protects against claims like pain and suffering, loss of income and medical expenses. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but buy as high a limit as you can afford. Texas state law requires minimum liability limits of 30,000/60,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy higher limits.
UM/UIM Coverage – This gives you protection from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (Texas limits are 30/60/25), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked.
Medical costs insurance – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for short-term medical expenses for things like EMT expenses, prosthetic devices, nursing services, hospital visits and funeral costs. They are used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers both the driver and occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is only offered in select states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Collision – This covers damage to your Venza caused by collision with another car or object. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as crashing into a building, rolling your car, scraping a guard rail, driving through your garage door and damaging your car on a curb. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Online resources for education
More detailed Texas auto insurance information can be found at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can get help finding coverage, read state legal mandates and laws, and view a list of available companies.
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