Posts Tagged ‘Alabama auto insurance’

What Auto Insurance Do I Need in Alabama?

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Drivers who are wondering what auto insurance they need to buy to comply with Alabama state laws can continue reading to find out the answer. In the Yellowhammer state, bodily injury and property damage coverage must be put in place.

Bodily injury liability coverage protects the occupants of the other vehicle when an accident occurs. It pays for medical bills and lost wages incurred as a result of the incident. The minimum level of coverage required under state law is $25,000 to compensate a single accident victim and $50,000 to compensate all victims of the same accident.

Property damage liability coverage is also required under Alabama state law. This part of the policy pays for the cost of repairs to the other vehicle. It also pays for repairs to public property damaged or destroyed in the accident, such as guard rails, fences, sign posts and light stands. At least $25,000 of this type of protection must be purchased.

Buying a policy which provides the minimum level of protection required by law may not be the best choice for all drivers. Alabama is a tort state, which means that people who have been injured in a car accident have the right to sue to collect damages from the at-fault driver. If the level of coverage in place is not high enough to pay for the damages caused, the driver is responsible for making up the difference personally.

You Can Get Cheaper Car Insurance Rates in AL

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

It is possible to get cheaper car insurance rates in AL, but you have to be prepared to do your homework and shop around to get them. One thing that all drivers can do to get preferred rates for their coverage is to maintain a clean driving record. Insurance companies reserve their best rates for these types of low-risk drivers . If  you have several years of experience behind the wheel and have been able to stay accident and moving violation-free, you will be considered a preferred class driver.

Another strategy for getting cheaper rates for your AL car insurance coverage is to get quotes from several companies before making a buying decision. Each one licensed to sell policies in the state uses its own formula to evaluate risk and set rates and for this reason, prices for the same type and level of protection can vary significantly between providers. Shopping around for rates can help Alabama drivers get the protection they need without paying more than they have to.

Going online to shop for coverage is an easy way for consumers to get information about insurance companies and compare rates. Most insurers now have web sites which are available on a 24/7 basis to provide information about the company and the products that it offers. Getting an online quote for coverage is a very easy process and usually involves simply filling out an online form and asking a few questions. Companies may offer a discount to customers who buy their policy in this manner.

How Your Driving Record Effects Alabama Auto Insurance Rates

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

An important factor that Alabama auto insurance companies consider when setting rates for their customers is the applicant’s driving history. An insurance company considers past behavior as a way to project how a person will behave behind the wheel going forward. In a situation where an applicant for coverage has been involved in one or more accidents and/or accumulated a number of moving violations on his or her record, the insurance company will likely place that person in a higher risk category than an individual who has a clean driving record.

Some of the best rates on Alabama auto insurance coverage are given to those individuals who are mature drivers (over the age of 50) who have good driving records. The insurance providers look at the number of years the individual has been licensed as part of the application process. New or young drivers don’t have this level of experience behind the wheel, and they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Teen drivers, especially young males, pay the highest auto insurance rates of all, since they lack driving experience and are the age group that is most likely to take risks. These two factors add up to higher rates from insurance companies.

The good news for recently-licensed drivers is that after they reach their mid-twenties, rates will start to come down – as long as they maintain a good driving record.

Save Money with Arkansas Car Insurance Discounts

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

If you are looking for a way to save money on the cost of your Arkansas car insurance coverage, make sure to ask about any available discounts you may qualify for. Companies offer price breaks in a number of circumstances, and you may qualify for one or more of them.

Many companies offer discounts to good drivers, and the amount you can save may increase the longer you are able to maintain a claims-free status. You need to be honest on your application; the company will pull your driving record to confirm that you have provided correct information. (If the insurance company discovers that you have lied on your application, your insurance policy may be declared null and void. )

Buying your car insurance from the same company that holds your homeowners’ or tenants’  insurance policy can help you save on your Alabama car insurance costs, so be sure to ask about a multi-policy discount. Insuring more than one vehicle on the same policy is another way to keep costs down.

Successfully completing a defensive driving course can also help you qualify for a discount on your car insurance rates. New drivers who have taken a driver’s education program can also get a price break. Completing one of these courses means that the participant is less likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident and presents a lower level of risk for insurance purposes.