Tightwads Guide to Insuring a Lincoln Continental
If buying auto insurance was as easy as it sounds on TV commercials, we'd have no problem getting the lowest rates. But it's actually not a real enjoyable process for the majority of people and we always seem to end up paying too much. You might feel the same pain when having to pay the bill on your Lincoln Continental.
Step One: Compare Multiple Rate Quotes
The antiquated method of shopping for car insurance included a high pressure visit to the office of your local insurance agent. Welcome to the 21st century!
The best car insurance companies offer online quoting for a Lincoln Continental and it's very easy to compare different rates by only using one form.
Take the first step by clicking the link below. By answering a few questions you'll be able to compare rates quickly and easily.
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 Continental.
Step Two: Best Ways to Lower your Continental Insurance Cost
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 Continental that will also lower the rate you pay irregardless of which company you choose.
- With age comes cheaper rates! If you're a senior citizen, many car insurance companies will give you a discount. Also, if you belong to a professional organization, check to see if your company gives discounts to members.
- When repairing accident damage on luxury vehicles, body shops charge more because the replacement parts are more expensive. Everything from a fender to a tail light will cost more to replace so your insurance rates will be higher as well.
- Do you keep your credit rating in good shape? If you do, you will get a better rate than if you let your credit score slide. Check your credit score regularly to make sure there are few blemishes on your record.
- If your city or county offers a driver's safety course, find out if your insurance company will give you a discount to complete it. It could save you up to 10%.
- 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 carry full coverage on your vehicle, you can slash your rates by increasing your comprehensive and collision deductibles. You'll pay more out-of-pocket but you will save with every renewal.
- Vehicle thefts drive up the cost of everyone's insurance, but if your Continental is on the list of the most frequently stolen cars, you might be paying just a little extra.
- 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.
- Renters will find they may be paying more for insurance as compared to homeowners. Owning a home can often get you a small discount on your car insurance.
- Minor driving violations such as speeding tickets can cause your rates to go up. Too many violations in a short period of time will cause your policy to be non-renewed.
- 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.
- It's very important that you allows keep coverage effective on your vehicles. Having even a one-day lapse in coverage can make your premiums jump higher.
Step Three: Choose the Right Company for You
Purchasing an insurance policy is more than just clicking a button. You need to have funds available to make payment and you need to be sure that the coverages are adequate for your personal situation.
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 you don't currently have a car insurance policy, make sure you have coverage in force before driving your Lincoln off the lot. But if you already have a policy, you will have coverage extended to your new car from your existing policy. Be sure to have a new policy ready to go if you are buying a new Continental. If you've never had car insurance or don't have a policy now, you won't have any protection on the vehicle until you add it to your policy.
Once your new policy has been purchased, you are required to keep the proof-of-insurance card in your vehicle at all times. This is required by state law and you can receive a citation if you cannot provide it. An SR-22 filing may be required by your state's DMV if you've been convicted of a serious driving offense such as DUI, DWI or reckless driving. If this applies to you, make sure the car insurance company complies with the SR-22 requirement.
Car Insurance Resources
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.