Cars are expensive, no doubt.
But car accidents are even more expensive.
So, there should be no questions in your mind about whether you should get auto insurance.
However, not all insurance policies are made equal.
When you shop around for the right policy, you need something that gives you sufficient coverage without a huge premium biting into your pay packet.
You want a fair price and good coverage - not easy, but not very complicated either.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while you apply for auto insurance quotes.
These tips will help you bring your auto insurance rates down.
Risk is the key element that insurance companies use when they determine individual rates.
If the risk is high, obviously, your auto insurance rates are bound to skyrocket.
So, what are these risks? Age: It might sound crazy, and may be it is crazy, but that's the way it is.
If you're young, you are more of a risk.
You know, recklessness of age and all that stuff.
On the other hand, if you have a respectable job, if you're married or have completed a driver's ed course successfully, you can qualify for a lower rate.
Students who do well in school or do charity work also qualify for lower rates.
Area: The area that you live in is a determining factor of your auto insurance rates.
For example, if you stay in a rural area, the chances of accidents are lesser than if you were to live in a crowded city.
The way you use your car also matters.
If you use it frequently during rush hours, or of you drive your car in highly populated areas, your auto insurance rates are going to be high.
You know why.
The kind of car you are covering also matters.
If your car is an expensive, recently bought BMW, you'll be paying more compared to a less expensive car that is 10 years old.
The logic is clear: the BMW needs more money for damage repair.
Your driving record is the Holy Grail when it comes to auto insurance rates.
If you're a rash driver and you have a couple of accidents, you can bet your last dollar that your premium is going to be high.
On the other hand, if your driving record is a clean slate, you are a safe bet for the insurance company.
Before you buy your policy, check out your driver's record.
Sometimes, clerical mistakes can happen and you may have to pay the price of someone else's carelessness.
The best way to get the right auto insurance rates is to shop around with the above factors in mind.
Make sure that you know the risk range you fall into.
Do not accept the first auto insurance rate you get.
Enough people have made that mistake.
In the age of the internet where free online quotes are available for the asking, you really have no excuse for not shopping around.
Talk to family and friends.
They have enough experience and their knowledge will take much of the guesswork out of the process.