Reader’s Question:

Hello there. I’m considering buying my auto insurance online. Previously I only bought my insurance from an agent in Alabama. Any tips for a first time online buyer?

Shauna

Huntsville, AL

Hello there, Shauna. How’s it going in Alabama? It’s really great that you’re making the switch to online auto insurance. With the advent of the online communities, looking for affordable auto insurance has become easier. Also with the fierce competition among the auto insurance companies, you are bound to get slashed prices on auto insurance rates.

Being a first-time buyer, I recommend the following tips to make your online shopping more convenient. First, make sure that you know what you want to purchase. Find out what is covered by your current insurance company and decide whether you want to increase or decrease this coverage. Make sure that when you ask for quotes online, be consistent in the types of insurance and coverage amounts that you provide. You will also need your personal information and driving record when you fill up the online forms, so make sure you keep these handy. Compare the quotes you receive and see if they provide the same coverages and services. Also take some time to read up on the auto insurance companies’ policies as these differ from each company. Check out reviews to see if their current clients think they are worth the money in terms of customer service, their processes for filing claims, etc. Most online sites may provide information in the form of FAQs if their websites do not answer your specific questions. Pick up the phone and ask an Alabama auto insurance agent before buying your insurance.

Tags: affordable car insurance, auto insurance online, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

I bought my darling daughter her first car for her birthday. Can anyone here tell me how I can get the cheapest teen car insurance available here in Alabama?

Greta

Birmingham, AL

Your daughter is surely going to have one heck of a shock when she sees this sweet gift of yours. I do not want to spoil the party, but you will also be shocked when you see the prices of teen car insurance there in Alabama.

Like in all states nationwide, first time drivers are viewed as high-risk drivers, and car insurance companies are only too wary to insure them. You may ask why. It is because teen drivers get into more accidents, and in most of these accidents, the teen drivers are at fault. So, you really cannot blame the car insurance companies because they are just trying to be wise with their money.

However, even if this is the case, it does not spell doomsday for your finances. Because I tell you there are ways to lower what you are going to pay for the car insurance of your darling daughter.

Now, just pay attention and take note of everything that I am going to say next.

First, you should include your daughter in your car insurance policy if you already have an existing one. Having multiple drivers in an existing policy makes you eligible for some discounts.

After doing this, proving to the car insurance companies there in Alabama that your daughter is a responsible motorist and would not likely be in a car accident is the next thing you do. How do you do this? You do this by enrolling her in a basic driving course or a defensive driving course, which are available in some high schools and some private institutions. Just ask around there in your city. Your daughter having good grades in school may also be used as proof.

So, if you are successful in doing all of these, the result will surely be the cheapest car insurance for your teen daughter.

Good luck!

Tags: auto insurance premium, cheap auto insurance, teen, teen insurance

Reader’s Question:

Hi, I’m planning to get my own car and my own car insurance, and I’m wondering how much coverage I should get. I’ve been shopping for insurance policies here at Birmingham, Alabama, and almost all of the agents I’ve talked to told me to get full coverage but my friends told me otherwise. Who should I listen to?

Kristine,

Birmingham, AL

First of all, do your friends have automotive insurance, too? You know, it takes one insured person to know which insurance premium is best for you. But one thing I’m sure of is this: less is not always more. Your friends may think otherwise but when it comes to the road, having more insurance coverage would really be helpful especially if you get into an accident. Although there is no fast rule as to the amount of auto insurance coverage you need to get, most states (including, Birmingham, AL, I think) require a certain level of coverage. But you must be aware that getting the minimum level of coverage entails certain disadvantages too, such as paying the excess amount covered by your insurance policy in case you get into a really serious accident. The worst case scenario would be being liable for thousands of dollars that would have to come out of your own pocket simply because you only got what your state requires. So try not to skimp on your insurance coverage.

You could use the factors I’ve listed below to gauge the kind of coverage you will need:
- Your tendencies to get involved at risks while on the road
- The risk associated with your neighborhood
- The type of vehicle you’re using (this normally pertains to the value of your car)
- Your assets
- The frequency of having a passenger and the personal details about them (you may have to get them covered, too)

Try shopping for more insurance policies there at Birmingham, Alabama before you decide which one to choose so that you won’t regret anything in case the bad thing happens.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance