Get Cheaper Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Insurance in Three Steps
If finding affordable car insurance was easy, most of us would take the time to do it. But in reality, the cost for insurance always seems too high and most people would prefer to get a root canal. Finding insurance for your Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup that you can actually afford is probably no different.
Step One: Shop Around
Up until about ten years ago, the only way to shop for car insurance was in the office of a local insurance agent where you'd get a hard sell into a policy. Now that we have the internet, shopping for car insurance online is a snap!
All the major car insurance companies sell insurance for a Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup and you don't even have to visit each individual website!
To begin, click on the link below and complete the short form. It only takes a few minutes and it's helpful to have your current policy handy if you have one.
Apples-to-Apples! When doing comparison quotes for your Ram 1500 Pickup, it's very important that you use the same liability limits and physical damage deductibles on each quote. Otherwise you will not be able to accurately determine which company has the lowest rates.
Step Two: Top Ways to Get Lower Ram 1500 Pickup 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 Ram 1500 Pickup.
- If you're willing to shoulder more of the cost at claim time, consider raising your comprehensive and collision deductibles. This can easily cut 30% or more from your policy premium.
- Good credit will get you lower car insurance rates. Evidence correlates good credit with low claims, so the better you maintain your credit level, the less risk you are to your company.
- Teenage drivers can be very expensive to insure on newer vehicles will full coverage. You may be better off purchasing an older vehicle for your teenager and only insure it for liability.
- Successfully completing a driver's training class can help lower your rates if your insurance company offers that discount.
- One of the easiest ways to keep your rates down is to drive safe. One speeding ticket can boost your rates for three years.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you rent rather than own a home, you may be paying more for car insurance. Homeowners often get lower rates.
- If you can afford to pay for small claims like a broken windshield out of pocket, it will keep small claims off your record and give you a claim-free discount.
- Members of many professional organizations can receive discounts on car insurance, and if you're a senior citizen, that could earn you an additional discount.
- Vehicle thefts drive up the cost of everyone's insurance, but if your Ram 1500 Pickup is on the list of the most frequently stolen cars, you might be paying just a little extra.
Step Three: Bind Coverage and Cancel your Old Policy
Buying a new car insurance policy is just a matter of finalizing your application form and submitting it with your down payment. Once payment has been accepted, coverage is bound the effective date shown on your application.
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.
Coverage will extend from your current policy if you're buying a Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup, 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. When driving off the lot, you may have coverage that extends from your current policy. But it will only be equal to the most coverage you have on any vehicle. So if you only carry liability coverage, you won't be covered for full coverage until you specify it on your policy.
Be sure to replace any old proof-of-insurance cards in your car. You must always have the current card in your vehicle as required by state law. High risk drivers may be required to submit an SR-22 with their state DMV's. If you have been convicted of reckless driving, DUI or had an uninsured accident, you may qualify. Make sure your new policy reflects the need for the SR-22 filing.
More Resources for Insurance Buying
For more information on car insurance topics like the claims process, rental car insurance and how much coverage you need, visit the Insurance Information Institute website.