Penny Pincher's Guide to Insuring a Nissan 200SX
If searching for lower car insurance rates was a good time, we'd have no problem finding the best rate. But in reality, the cost for insurance always seems too high and most people would prefer to get a root canal. Buying insurance on your Nissan 200SX might leave you feeling the same way.
Step One: Compare Rates from Multiple Companies
The old way of buying car insurance was to make multiple trips to various local agents and get strong armed into a policy that didn't necessarily fit you. Welcome to the NEW way to buy car insurance!
You can compare insurance rates for a Nissan 200SX simply and quickly just by filling out one form. This allows you to quote the same coverages with multiple companies and pick the lowest rate.
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.
Important Tip! In order to accurately compare rates for your 200SX, 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 200SX Insurance
What you actually pay to insure your Nissan is determined by many factors, some of which you have no control over.
- Consider raising your comprehensive and collision deductibles if you carry full coverage. By accepting more risk yourself, your car insurance company will cut you a break on your physical damage premiums.
- One of the best ways to lower your insurance rates is to raise your credit score. Check your rating once a year and make sure to address any problem areas immediately.
- Let's face it, you aren't driving a 200SX because of the fuel economy. You like the looks and performance and you'll pay a little more for insurance because you're driving a sports car.
- The easiest way to INCREASE your car insurance rates is to add a teenage driver to your policy. There aren't many ways to prevent a rate increase, but if you can rate them on an older vehicle, it can help.
- Successfully completing a driver's training class can help lower your rates if your insurance company offers that discount.
- If you think the only financial impact of a speeding ticket is a fine and court costs, think again. Insurance companies will raise your rates for up to three years for a single ticket.
- Having any gaps in coverage (known as a lapse) is bad in the eyes of any insurance company. Make sure you keep coverage in force at all times by synchronizing the expiration and effective dates of your policies.
- Safety features such as passive restraints and air bag systems help reduce injuries in and accident, and car insurance companies will charge lower rates if these features are present.
- 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.
- Try to maintain a claim-free discount on your car insurance policy. Obviously you can't prevent large claims, but if they are smaller and you can afford to pay them out-of-pocket, do so.
- If you belong to a professional organization, check to see if that can earn you a discount. If you're over the age of 55, check to see if they have a senior citizen discount as well.
- If your 200SX ranks on the list of vehicles that are frequently stolen, that can result in a higher rating class and a more expensive rate.
Step Three: Make an Informed Buying Decision
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.
On your new policy, double check that the effective date is the same as the date you are cancelling your old policy. This avoids any lapse in coverage which can cause an increase in your rates.
If the Nissan 200SX 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. Your existing car insurance policy will give you some coverage if you buy a new or used 200SX, but unless you are already paying for full coverage, you won't have it until you add the vehicle to your policy.
At the end of buying your policy, you will be able to print out a new proof-of-insurance card to place in your vehicle. This card is required by law and must be produced if requested by law enforcement. Depending on your state's statutes, you may be required to file an SR-22 form if you've been convicted of an uninsured accident, DUI or license suspension. Make sure your new company is aware of this requirement and files it promptly.
More Educational Resources
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.