There are ways to lower auto insurance rates.

There are numerous insurance companies to choose from when shopping for auto insurance. Each one of these companies has a mulitude of policies to choose from. The Digital Journal explains the lengths insurance companies are willing to go to compete for your business.

With so many options to choose from, insurance companies are spending an astronomical sum of money on television advertising, sponsorships and hiring the best marketing strategists in the country.

No matter what the insurers do the general public will always hold a negative view towards them. One survey, for instance, found that 83 percent of motorists in the state of Michigan do not trust the auto insurance industry and do not think that they act in their clients’ best interests.

According to 2007 figures, the national average on car insurance coverage was $795 and ranged from as low as $511 in North Dakota to as high as $1,139 in the District of Columbia – the types of coverage vary, though, and the average could jump to roughly $912 because of liability, comprehensive and collision.

With gas prices, monthly car payments, taxes, vehicle maintenance and parking, a car owner can spend thousands of dollars each year just to have an automobile to drive. It can be both hectic and costly to be a motorist, but there are some simple steps to take in order to save some dollars on your car insurance….More at Op-Ed: 6 simple ways to save money on auto insurance – DigitalJournal.com

When facing all of the options and advertisements it is important to have a plan and shop around. A good first step is to determine the insurance need of the individual situation. State laws should always be followed in regards to car insurance. Also, if leasing a car be sure to follow the terms of the lease for car insurance. After that it is good to assess how much coverage the car is worth. If the car is older and does not hold much value, perhaps less than $2000, it may be worth while to eliminate comprehensive coverage. In contrast, collision coverage is always recommended in case of accidents with other vehicles. Some level of medical coverage is also recommended. Once the specific insurance requirements are determined, then shop around for the desired coverage. It is recommended to search online as well as call insurance companies and talk to real people.

Image by JD Hancock via Flickr

There are many things one can do to reduce the costs of auto insurance rates. One is to drive the car as little as possible. “How far is your commute to work” is a common question by insurers. A long commute naturally will increase the cost of insurance because more time on the road translates directly to more risk of having an accident. If possible try to use public transportation to shorten the commute drive time. This is also better for the environment.

A second habit that lowers insurance cost is to be a cautious driver. Be defensive, use turn signals, and always use mirrors and look over your shoulder when changing lanes. Obey driving laws as well to avoid traffic violations. A history of good driving and no accidents will lower insurance rates. Finally, grouping your car insurance and other types of insurance with a single provider will lower your overall payout for insurance.

If you want to begin saving on car insurance rates please visit our website and compare some free online quotes at heapcarinsurance.com.