Helpful Car Insurance Tips

July 12, 2006

Purchasing a car is big event.  First, you have to shop around to several car dealers to get an idea of the type of car you would like to buy and can afford.  Then, you have to research car insurance companies to find the best policy that works for you.  If you’re planning a wedding at the same time, your brain is probably fried from car insurance quotes and terms.

A number of Chicagoland couples purchase at least one big ticket item during their engagement - either a car, house or condo.  It’s hard to make clear decisions about large purchases when you’re putting down huge deposits on a 12-piece orchestra or the reception site.

If you are planning on purchasing car insurance to go with that lovely car you just bought, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1) Ask your current insurance provider - rent or homeowner’s insurance - for their list of car insurance policies and their prices if you purchase the insurance through them.  A number of insurance companies will give their customers a good deal if they purchase an additional policy through them.

2) Research insurance policies online in order to save you time and money.  Progressive Insurance and other websites will give you a quote based on information from their competitors.

3) When in doubt, ask your friends about their car insurance providers and their customer service.  I was talking to a former bride recently who was in an accident with another car owner who happened to have Geico insurance.  She was so impressed with the level of customer service from the Geico representative that she dropped her current car insurance company and bought a policy with Geico instead.

You have lots of options when shopping for car insurance.  Don’t feel pressured to purchase a policy from the insurance company that your car dealer recommends.  I’m sure they get something out of those recommendations, so you might not get an unbiased referral.

If you’re interested in saving money on your car insurance, check out the money-saving car insurance tips in our Financial Fitness section:  How to Save on Car Insurance

Take care!

Alison