How to Insure your GMC Jimmy on a Budget
If searching for lower car insurance rates was a good time, we'd have no problem finding the best rate. But the reality is, it's a chore for most people and we seem to always end up paying more than we want to. You might feel the same pain when having to pay the bill on your GMC Jimmy.
Step One: Compare Rates from Multiple Companies
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. Times have changed!
Almost every car insurance company now offers online quotes, and you can actually get insurance quotes for a GMC Jimmy without even visiting their websites!
Take the first step by clicking the link below. By answering a few questions you'll be able to compare rates quickly and easily.
Read this (it's important)! When doing any car insurance quote to compare rates to either your existing policy or to other quotes, it's important to use identical coverages on all quotes. Otherwise you will not be able to accurately determine which company has the lowest rate for your Jimmy.
Step Two: How to Insure your Jimmy for Less
What you actually pay to insure your GMC is determined by many factors, some of which you have no control over.
- If your Jimmy ranks on the list of vehicles that are frequently stolen, that can result in a higher rating class and a more expensive rate.
- If you are a senior citizen or belong to a particular professional organization, you may qualify for a break on insurance.
- If you don't need the larger engine and four-wheel drive that an SUV gives you, you might consider trading down to a passenger car to save on insurance.
- The advancement of car safety features such as traction control, stability control, front and side-impact air bags and all-wheel drive all help keep insurance costs down.
- Consider taking a defensive driving course. You can often make up the cost of the course in as little as a single policy renewal.
- 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 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.
- Youthful or teen drivers that are rated on any vehicle will cost more. The inexperience and tendancy to enjoy going fast is a recipe for an accident.
- If you own a home, you may get a break on your car insurance. Home ownership demonstrates financial responsibility.
- If you have a speeding ticket or other moving violation, you could be charged more for insurance. If you get a ticket, find out if your county or state offers a defensive driving course that will void the ticket upon completion.
- 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.
- Comprehensive and collision coverages make up the majority of your car insurance bill. If you raise your deductibles, you can will see significant savings with every policy renewal.
Step Three: Choose the Right Company for You
Once you have compared identical rate quotes for your Jimmy and made a decision on deductibles, coverages and other policy options, you are ready to buy your policy with the new company.
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.
If this is a new policy with only the GMC on it, be sure to have coverage before leaving the dealership or car lot. If you're adding it to an existing policy, you have anywhere from 15 to 30 days depending on the company. 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 Jimmy.
Your insurance company will provide you with proof-of-insurance forms to keep in your vehicle. It's required by state law to carry at least the state minimum liability limits. 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
To read more about filing a claim, choosing replacement parts, rental car insurance and more, visit the Insurance Information Institute.
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