Insure a Mercedes-Benz CLK430 like a Penny Pincher
If finding affordable car insurance was easy, most of us would take the time to do it. But the premiums we pay always seem to be too high and most of use would rather get a tooth pulled. Finding insurance for your Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Welcome to the 21st century!
You can now shop all the best car insurance companies and compare rates for a Mercedes-Benz CLK430 and you don't even have to visit each individual website!
Start a free rate quote comparison now by clicking the link below. Once you complete the short form, you'll be able to compare rates and then move on to our next section on how to lower rates even further.
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 CLK430.
Step Two: Tried and True Ways to Save on CLK430 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 CLK430.
- The performance boost offered by your Mercedes-Benz CLK430 is going to force you to spend more for insurance. Consider trading for a lower performance vehicle in order to bring down your rates.
- Higher deductibles save money. If you can afford to pay a larger portion of a comprehensive or collision claim, you will pay substantially less for those coverages if you increase your deductibles to $500 or even $1,000.
- Repairing accident damage generally costs more for the CLK430 because the replacement parts cost more. You can expect your car insurance bill to reflect these higher costs for repair.
- If you have a high credit score, you will be rewarded with lower insurance rates. Conversely, if your credit rating is on the low site, your rates will be higher.
- 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.
- Driver's safety courses will often get you a discount off your rates. Check to see if your company offers the discount and find a qualifying class in your area.
- 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.
- Equipping your Mercedes-Benz with available safety features such as air bags and passive restraints allows you to take advantage of additional discounts.
- If you rent rather than own a home, you may be paying more for car insurance. Homeowners often get lower rates.
- Filing small claims will get you into hot water with your insurance company. Frequent filers will often find themselves either paying higher rates or non-renewed at renewal time.
- Being a senior citizen can qualify you for a small discount on your insurance rates. Older drivers are generally more cautious so they get a lower rate.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your CLK430 is on that list, chances are your insurance company knows it and will ding you a little extra because of it.
Step Three: Bind Coverage and Cancel your Old Policy
Knowing which company to insure your CLK430 with is more than just choosing the lowest rate. You also need to be ready to put a down payment on your policy and make sure you have all the proper coverages in place.
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.
If you don't currently have a car insurance policy, make sure you have coverage in force before driving your Mercedes-Benz off the lot. But if you already have a policy, you will have coverage extended to your new car from your existing policy. 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.
Once you have purchased your policy, print out the insurance card that must go in your vehicle. This card fulfills the state law requiring you to prove financial responsibility. 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
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.
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