Tightwads Guide to Insuring a Dodge Monaco
If buying auto insurance was as easy as it sounds on TV commercials, we'd have no problem getting the lowest rates. Unfortunately, it's not always as easy as it sounds to get the best rate. Finding insurance for your Dodge Monaco that you can actually afford is probably no different.
Step One: Compare Multiple Rate Quotes
In years past, the only way to purchase car insurance was to visit the office of a local agent. Welcome to the NEW way to buy car insurance!
The first step to finding lower Dodge Monaco rates is to get quotes from all the major car insurance companies. This is fast and easy and only requires you to complete one form.
Compare rates now by clicking the link below. In just a few minutes you'll have a good idea of what insurance will cost for your Dodge Monaco.
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 Monaco.
Step Two: Tricks to Saving Money on Monaco Insurance
If you have completed step one above (if not, please complete that step first), then you are now ready to learn some ways to insure your Monaco that will also lower the rate you pay irregardless of which company you choose.
- Thieves tend to steal certain makes and models of vehicles more than others, and if your car is on that list, expect to pay higher insurance rates because of it.
- If you're over the age of 55, check to see if you qualify for a senior citizen discount. Qualification age may vary by company
- Newer car models are coming standard with advanced passenger safety systems, and these help reduce the risk of injury in an accident. Less injuries mean lower insurance rates.
- If you've recently completed a driver's training or safety course, tell your insurance company. You may qualify for a 5-10% discount.
- Try to maintain a claim-free discount on your car insurance policy. Obviously you can't prevent large claims, but if they are smaller and you can afford to pay them out-of-pocket, do so.
- If switching companies, always have the effective date of the new policy be identical to the expiration date on the old policy. This prevents a lapse in coverage and companies charge higher rates if you have any lapses.
- Every parent dreads the day when their teenager gets added to their policy. If you are a teenager, or if you have one on your policy, expect to pay significantly more each year.
- Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same company can often get you a discount, and just being a homeowner in itself will get you a lower rate.
- Speeding and other minor violations can impact your car insurance rates for up to three years. The increased cost can easily exceed the fine and court costs for the original ticket.
- Each year make a habit of checking your credit score. If you find problems that may be dragging down your credit rating, address them immediately. This will result in significant savings on car insurance.
- 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: Bind Coverage and Cancel your Old Policy
It's time to make a purchase decision based on your rate comparisions and and any policy coverage changes you wish to make. Once you are comfortable with the cost and coverages, you can finalize your purchase by paying your premium down payment.
If you didn't have a prior policy, then you can make the new policy effective any time. But if you're moving bewteen companies and don't want a lapse in coverage, make sure the effective date of the new policy is exactly the same as the cancellation date of the old policy.
If the Dodge Monaco is a new purchase and you haven't had car insurance before, make sure you have coverage in place before driving off the lot. If you have other vehicles already covered, then you will have coverage for the new vehicle. If you have a current policy and you only carry liability coverage, then that's the only coverage that will automatically extend to your Monaco. But if you currently carry full coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage will extend to your new vehicle.
Upon completion of buying your policy, you need to print out the financial responsibility card that must be kept in your vehicle at all times. Replace any old cards and promptly replace expired cards. If your state requires you to file an SR-22 for being a high-risk driver, make sure your new company is aware of this requirement. Failure to comply can result in loss of your driver's license.
More Insurance Buying Tips
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.