Penny Pincher's Guide to Insuring a Geo Metro
If finding affordable car insurance was easy, most of us would take the time to do it. But more than likely, it's challenging for most people and we always end up paying more than we want. You might feel the same pain when having to pay the bill on your Geo Metro.
Step One: Shop Around
If you haven't shopped for car insurance for awhile you might remember the days when the only option was to visit a local insurance agent. Now that we have the internet, shopping for car insurance online is a snap!
You can now shop all the best car insurance companies and compare rates for a Geo Metro and you don't even have to visit each individual website!
Take the first step by clicking the link below. By answering a few questions you'll be able to compare rates quickly and easily.
Important Tip! In order to accurately compare rates for your Metro, it's critical that you use the same limits and deductibles for liability and physical damage coverages like comprehensive and collision. If you use different limits, you will not be able to accurately compare rates between carriers.
Step Two: How to Cut Costs on Metro Insurance
After step one is complete, it's now time to analyze some of the other factors that can negatively impact car insurance rates for a Metro.
- You can check your credit score for free once a year, and it's a good idea to address any problems you find. Better credit results in better insurance rates.
- Many insurance companies will give you a small discount if you've recently completed a driver's training course.
- If you have a period where you don't have any insurance coverage, that's called a lapse. The longer the lapse, the more you'll pay to reinstate coverage.
- Owning a home takes financial responsibility, and car insurance companies will often give you a break just for being a homeowner.
- Insurance companies often give discounts to senior citizens and professional organizations, so if you're one of those, check to see if you qualify.
- If you carry full coverage on your vehicle, you can slash your rates by increasing your comprehensive and collision deductibles. You'll pay more out-of-pocket but you will save with every renewal.
- Teen drivers have a tendancy to learn the hard way when driving, and that means having a few fender-benders. Rating them on a high profile newer vehicle can be very expensive so you might consider buying an older model vehicle for them to drive and only insure it with liability coverage.
- A lead foot will result in higher insurance rates. Slow down, don't get tickets and you'll pay less.
- Most Geo vehicles come with standard safety features such as air bags and passive restraints, and those will help keep your insurance costs down.
- Filing too many claims with your company can end up either costing you more for insurance or having your policy cancelled. Insurance companies don't like paying any more than you do, but they have the option of whether to keep you as a policyholder or not.
- If your Metro ranks on the list of vehicles that are frequently stolen, that can result in a higher rating class and a more expensive rate.
Step Three: Choose the Right Company for You
You've compared rates and hopefully looked over the coverages for each vehicle on your policy to make sure they're adequate. Now you can make the big decision on which company will best fulfill your needs.
Car insurance policies don't have to be cancelled at the renewal date, but just be sure the new policy starts the same day you cancel your old policy. This avoids any gaps in coverage between policies.
Coverage will extend from your current policy if you're buying a Geo Metro, but if you don't have a policy, you will need to make sure you have coverage in place before you drive it off the dealership lot. Coverage that extends from an existing policy is only as good as your current coverage. So if you don't carry full coverage on any vehicles, you won't have it on your new Metro.
Once you have purchased your policy, print out the insurance card that must go in your vehicle. This card fulfills the state law requiring you to prove financial responsibility. If you have received a DUI, reckless driving citation or caused an accident without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 with your state DMV. Make sure your new company is aware of the SR-22 filing requirement.
More Resources
The Insurance Information Institute has a great resource of car insurance articles where you can learn more about coverages and money saving tips. Visit iii.org.
Recent Blog Articles
