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Buying Auto Insurance for the First Time

    2 minute read

    The first time you need to purchase auto insurance can seem like a harrowing experience. However, insurance companies have worked over the years to make the process much easier. When you go looking for your own insurance, keep these points in mind:

    • Know what you need: There are four types of auto-insurance. They are: liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive insurance. California law requires you to carry liability insurance, which pays for another driver’s damages when you are found at fault in an accident. As discussed in a previous blog post, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance protects you from other drivers who don’t have insurance, or don’t have enough insurance coverage to pay for your injuries and/or damages to your vehicle. Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle when you are at fault in an accident (otherwise, the other driver’s liability insurance would cover damages). Lastly, comprehensive insurance protects your car from other damages or losses, such as theft or fire. Which insurance types you want and the amount of coverage for each will depend on your budget and vehicle. For example, you may not want to pay for collision insurance for a very old car.

     

    • Shop around: The Internet has made it easier than ever to shop around for auto-insurance. When you contact AIS, you can get dozens of quotes from California insurance providers. We can also help you get any discounts that you are eligible for.

     

    • Reevaluate periodically: Most people agree that reevaluating your auto-insurance every year or so can save you money. With a call to AIS, we can give you revised quotes to see if you need to update your policy.

     

     This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.