I’m buying a car soon and I want to find out how I can get good car insurance rates for it. Any tips?

Grey

Seattle, WA

Those who have bought car insurance before would tell you that having to call up many different agents or consulting brokers is not the most fun way to spend an afternoon. Luckily times have changed and it is now much easier to find the best car insurance rates for you. Here are some tips:

1. Compare Rates Online – Use car insurance comparison websites. You get free access to the latest car insurance quotes and are able to compare offers coming from many different car insurers simultaneously. This is the quickest way to maximize your chances of finding the best rates out there in very little time at all.

2. Visit Rating Agency Websites – You want to spend some time on the websites of agencies like Moodys, A.M. Best and J.D. Powers. These are independent rating agencies that can tell you which companies have the best scores when it comes to customer service, pricing, claims handling, etc. This will help you identify the best car insurers to go with.

3. Get Some Discounts – Getting cheap quotes is one thing, being able to reduce your total insurance rates is another. Discounts are an excellent way to do this. There are a lot available so there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for at least one. Always ask an insurer about discount options.

4. Optimize Your Coverage – Go on a yearly payment plan if you can, this will reduce your rates or make you eligible for discounts. Remove unnecessary coverage items on your policy as well. You also probably don’t need full comprehensive coverage if you drive an old vehicle as well.

What kind of car insurance can I get if I don’t own a car but would occasionally borrow a friend’s vehicles here in Washington?

Kathy

Bellevue, WA

Dear Kathy, You would want to get a Non-Owner’s Auto Liability Insurance coverage there in Washington. A Non-Owners Liability Insurance policy will make sure that a person who don’t own a vehicle but rent or borrow a car from time to time will have adequate financial capability to compensate for any injury or damages he/ she may have caused a person or property while driving the rented or borrowed vehicle.

Specifically, Non-Owner’s auto insurance will provide the following coverage:

Bodily Injury liability Coverage
Covers you from any claims or lawsuits against you for injuries or deaths you may have caused in a car accident. This also pays for legal fees you may have incurred.

Property Damage Liability
Pays for the repair or replacement of damages caused by a non-owner to private or public properties while on the rented or borrowed car.

This would be a very responsible thing to do in behalf of the person you will be borrowing a vehicle from. It could also mean saving money on having to get rental car insurance should you need to rent a car, which could be much more expensive and charges you on a daily basis. It is highly recommended that you get Online quotes as well whenever looking for non-owners insurance since you can get very good rate comparisons to help you choose the best car insurance rates even if you don’t own a vehicle at the moment.