How to Insure your Honda Civic on a Budget
If finding the lowest rate on car insurance was easy, most people would have no trouble paying less. But most likely we pay more than we want to and don't really enjoy the buying process. Finding affordable coverage for your Honda Civic probably is no different.
Step One: Compare Online Rate Quotes
Years ago, your local insurance agent was the only way to quote a buy a car insurance policy. Welcome to the NEW way to buy car insurance!
The first step to finding lower Honda Civic 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.
To start saving, have your current policy handy and click the link below. Our short form makes it easy to enter your information and compare rates.
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 Civic.
Step Two: How to Lower your Civic Insurance Premium
How much impact insuring your Honda has on your wallet is controlled by many different factors. Here are some ways to reduce the negatives and improve the positives.
- How's your credit score? If it's good you will pay a lower rate than your poor credit counterparts. Work on improving weak credit and you will eventually see your car insurance bill go down.
- 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.
- If you are a renter rather than a homeowner, you might pay a little more to insure your car. Owning a home takes financial repsonsibility and insurance companies reward those policy holders.
- 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.
- Never allow one policy to expire without having a new policy effective the same date. This causes a lapse in coverage and if you don't have insurance for any length of time, your next policy will cost you more.
- A claim-free discount can help keep your rates down, so don't file claims that are only marginally more than your deductible. You're better off keeping the discount.
- Ask your insurance company if there is a discount for completing a driver's safety course. It may get you up to a 10% discount at your next renewal.
- 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're over the age of 55, check to see if you qualify for a senior citizen discount. Qualification age may vary by company
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your Civic is on that list, chances are your insurance company knows it and will ding you a little extra because of it.
- 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: Buy the Policy That's Right for You
Choosing a new car insurance company is not easy. But hopefully you have a handful of quotes for your Civic that will give you a good idea of how much it will cost, as well as some idea of any coverage changes you may want to make.
If you're cancelling an old policy, make sure the new coverage starts the same day your old policy ends. This avoids any penalty for having a lapse in coverage which can cost you more.
If the Honda Civic 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. Comprehensive (or Other than Collision) and collision coverage will extend to your new Civic 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.
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 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
To read more about filing a claim, choosing replacement parts, rental car insurance and more, visit the Insurance Information Institute.
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