Calif. Regulators Issue Tips for Saving on Auto Insurance

Sacramento -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Aug 10, 2011 -- The California Department of Insurance has come out with a list of helpful tips to help cash-strapped consumers trim automobile insurance coverage costs.

“In today’s tight economy every dollar counts,” Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. “Consumers should review their options… to find the right fit for both their car and their pocketbook.”

Jones says there are several steps Californians can take to keep their premiums to a minimum:

--Take advantage of online comparison resources that can enable you to shop on your own time and at your own pace. Most companies offer free quotes and same-day response.

--Check out all the discounts you may be eligible for. Many insurers offer a range of discounts, including for students, members of a group, motorists who don’t drive much or who take a driver training course, those who are married and over 25, and people with clean driving records.

--Ask about multiple policy discounts. Insurers often offer price breaks to those who bundle their vehicle, home, renters or recreational vehicle policies together.

--Decide on the right deductible for your auto and financial needs. Policies with higher deductibles usually have lower premiums, but they can also leave consumers paying out of pocket for many repairs.

--Consider getting less than full protection for a used car. Many lenders require new vehicle buyers to carry liability, collision and comprehensive coverage, but there is no such requirement for older cars.

"These are very simple but very effective tips that can help consumers acquire affordable" policies, Jones said.

Jones’ department has more information for consumers about insuring their vehicles, with pointers on everything from insured motorists’ rights and responsibilities to what to do after an accident.

Source: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0060-information-guides/0010-automobile/automobile-insurance.cfm

The tips for California drivers are in keeping with advice from other industry experts.

The Insurance Information Institute recommends that consumers get price quotes from at least three providers, ask friends and relatives to recommend a company and maintain a solid credit history in order to get the best rates.

To read more about this and other auto insurance issues, go to http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/coverage/ where you will find informative resource pages and a free-to-use quote-comparison generator that consumers can use to get sample premiums for many vehicle makes and models.

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Online Auto Insurance
Benjamin Zitney
http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com