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.

I had recently been convicted of DUI and my insurer here in Washington canceled my current policy and they said I should get a DUI SR22 Insurance. I felt very bad about this for I have been insured with them for several years already and now that I had a problem they suddenly canceled my policy. Are they right in doing this to me and what is DUI SR22 Insurance and how does this work?

Bryan

Tacoma, WA

Once a driver is convicted of DUI in Washington, most car insurers will either cancel your current policy or they will never renew it even if you have been having business with them for many years. A DUI SR22 Insurance is a policy that is designed for those who have been convicted of driving under influences’ offense. There are car insurance companies that can give you DUI SR22 Insurance but since you are labelled as a high risk driver it could create more problems in time that’s why you should get a DUI SR22 Insurance.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, they usually want you to present a proof that you have car insurance with DUI for around three to five years with Washington’s Department of Motor Vehicle. Your insurers will file an SR22 form to DMV in order for your driver’s license suspension to be lifted. The car insurance company will charge you the rate depends on your policy and state rules. Every states has a different length of time on how long your DUI conviction remain on the record and as long as the record remains then that is also how long your premium is affected. If you have a DUI SR22 Insurance and had another conviction, the process would be easier and faster and this is something you should get as a responsible driver for we don’t know when accident strikes.

I am about to renew my Car Insurance Policy here in Washington and I just had a little accident a couple of months ago. Will my car insurers check my record or since it is renewal they wouldn’t check? And what could be the possible thing that can happen to my policy?

Jim

Tacoma, WA

There are many things that one can be classified as a high-risk driver here in Washington just like when you own a speedy car then you are also considered as a high-risk driver for one can actually have the biggest possibility that you might have an accident. Car Insurance Companies are not complacent in checking your driving record.

If you are for the renewal of your car insurance policy, your insurers will check every detail of your driving history before they allow you to renew your policy or reviewing your policy. If for example you insurers are a too strict regarding with traffic tickets, car crashes or poor credit then you might want to shop for another Car Insurance. Not all Car Insurance Companies are tough with these problems though you might know by now that it isn’t cheap to avail as a high-risk driver. Car Insurance Company might give you a policy but then it is more expensive than the usual for you have the biggest possibility that you might take risk on the road again. Car Insurance Companies is just trying to protect you as well as their interest that’s why they are offering you a bigger coverage.