Penny Pincher's Guide to Insuring a GMC Sierra 2500 Pickup
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. Insuring your GMC Sierra 2500 Pickup is probably no exception.
Step One: Shop Around
Years ago, your local insurance agent was the only way to quote a buy a car insurance policy. Now that we have the internet, shopping for car insurance online is a snap!
Getting online rate quotes for a GMC Sierra 2500 Pickup from all the major insurance companies is very easy and only requires you to enter your information once.
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 GMC Sierra 2500 Pickup.
Important Tip! In order to accurately compare rates for your Sierra 2500 Pickup, 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: Top Ways to Get Lower Sierra 2500 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 Sierra 2500 Pickup.
- Auto theft is a big problem that costs us all money, but if your car is on the list of the most frequently stolen autos, you might be paying a little extra because of the temptation to thieves.
- Insurance companies often give discounts to senior citizens and professional organizations, so if you're one of those, check to see if you qualify.
- Safety features such as antilock brakes, traction control and air bag systems all help reduce the cost of car insurance by keeping the passengers safer.
- Successfully completing a driver's training class can help lower your rates if your insurance company offers that discount.
- If you have tended to file small claims with your car insurance company in the past, you're most likely going to pay higher premiums in the future. Consider paying minor claims out-of-pocket instead of blemishing your claim history.
- Do not allow your current car insurance coverage to lapse or expire. Insurance companies have a simple way to find out when your last policy ended (called a CLUE report), and if you went without coverage for any length of time you may pay more for coverage.
- 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.
- Owning a home takes financial responsibility, and car insurance companies will often give you a break just for being a homeowner.
- 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.
- 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.
- You can save money on your physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) by increasing your deductibles. Higher deductibles mean you are willing to pay more before the insurance company covers a claim.
Step Three: Choose a Company and Bind Coverage
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.
The key thing to keep in mind when buying a new policy is you do not want your old policy to lapse. Make sure the effective date of the new policy is on or before the expiration date of your current policy.
Coverage will extend from your current policy if you're buying a GMC Sierra 2500 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. Comprehensive (or Other than Collision) and collision coverage will extend to your new Sierra 2500 Pickup if you current have a vehicle insured with those coverages. If you aren't insured or only carry basic liability coverage, then you will be inadequately insured until you add the vehicle to your policy with full coverage.
The proof-of-insurance card that is required by state law to be carried in your vehicle can be printed out upon completion of your car insurance policy. If you're considered a high-risk driver, having been convicted of a DUI, DWI, reckless driving or had your license suspended, you may need to file a SR-22. Be sure your new company files this form with your state DMV. Failure to do so can result in losing your right to drive.
Consumer Insurance Information
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.