Insure a Mercedes-Benz C230 like a Penny Pincher
If finding affordable car insurance was easy, most of us would take the time to do it. But unfortunately, it's difficult for a lot of people and we always seem to pay more than we should. Buying insurance on your Mercedes-Benz C230 might leave you feeling the same way.
Step One: Shop Around
Up until just recently, the only option you had for shopping for insurance was getting a high pressure sales pitch in the office of your local insurance agent. Thanks to the internet, insurance shopping is a whole lot easier!
Comparing apples-to-apples price quotes for your Mercedes-Benz C230 is made easy by only requiring one form to be completed. This will shop your coverage with multiple companies and allow you to easily compare rates.
To compare rates now, have your current policy handy (if you have one) and click the link below. Complete the short form and move on to step two.
Quoting Tip! The only way to compare rates from multiple companies is to use identical coverage amounts and deductibles on each quote. If you use different limits on quotes, you cannot accurately determine which company has the best rates for your C230.
Step Two: How to Save on C230 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 C230.
- You can definitely expect to pay a little more for insurance due to the performance level of your Mercedes-Benz C230. Vehicles with less power and speed tend to cost less to insure.
- Vehicle thefts drive up the cost of everyone's insurance, but if your C230 is on the list of the most frequently stolen cars, you might be paying just a little extra.
- Repair shops have more expenses when repairing damage on luxury vehicles, so they will charge your insurance company more to make the repairs. This will be evident in your insurance rates even if you don't have a claim.
- Car insurance disounts for senior citizens are often offered by companies as well as discounts for belonging to a professional organization.
- To keep your rates low, don't file excessive claims on your policy. Insurance is meant to cover large losses, not small damage that you can pay for out-of-pocket.
- If you own a home, you may get a break on your car insurance. Home ownership demonstrates financial responsibility.
- If your vehicle comes with safety features such as electronic stability control, head restraints, all-wheel drive or air bags, these all help keep insurance costs down by helping reduce accident injuries.
- Having any gaps in coverage (known as a lapse) is bad in the eyes of any insurance company. Make sure you keep coverage in force at all times by synchronizing the expiration and effective dates of your policies.
- Speeding not only costs you a fine, a single ticket will raise your car insurance rates for up to three years. Slow down and be a safe driver and you'll pay lower rates.
- Having recently completed a class in driver's safety could earn you a discount of 5% to 10%. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer that credit.
- Teen drivers are expensive to insure and the only way to lower your rates is to rate them on an older vehicle with basic liability coverage.
- Check your credit rating each year and address any problem areas. Higher credit scores mean lower car insurance rates.
- One of the easiest ways to cut your rates is to increase your comprehensive and collision deductibles. By having a higher deductible like $500 or even $1,000, you can save 30% or more on physical damage coverage.
Step Three: Make an Informed Buying Decision
If you have found a good price by comparing quotes and also made informed decisions regarding policy limits, deductibles and other policy options that are available, you can now purchase the policy and bind coverage.
On your new policy, double check that the effective date is the same as the date you are cancelling your old policy. This avoids any lapse in coverage which can cause an increase in your rates.
If you already have a car insurance policy, then your Mercedes-Benz C230 will be covered as soon as your purchase it. If this is your first vehicle, you will want to make sure you have coverage in place as soon as your purchase it. Anytime you buy a vehicle, you want to make sure coverage is in place before driving off the lot. If you have a policy now, you will have at least liability coverage. But if you don't insure any vehicles with full coverage, then you will put your new C230 at risk as soon as you drive away.
Once you finish buying your new policy, you will need to print out the proof-of-insurance card that is provided by your new company. This card is proof that you meet the state's minimum liability limits and is required to be kept in your vehicle. SR-22 filings are for high risk drivers and ensure that you have met your state's financial responsibility requirements. If you have DUI, DWI or uninsured accident convictions, you may have to file an SR-22 with your state DMV.
For More Information
To read more about topics such as how to file a claim, replacement auto parts and mistakes to avoid, visit the Insurance Information Institute website.