Tightwads Guide to Insuring a Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
If shopping for auto insurance was more enjoyable, it would get done more often. But we always seem to pay too much for coverage and most people would rather go to the dentist. Buying insurance on your Oldsmobile Ninety Eight might leave you feeling the same way.
Step One: Compare Rates
The old-fashioned method of shopping for car insurance included visiting several local insurance agents and being on the receiving end of a hard sell tactic. But you can now comparison shop and buy direct online!
You can now shop all the best car insurance companies and compare rates for a Oldsmobile Ninety Eight and you don't even have to visit each individual website!
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 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight.
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 Ninety Eight.
Step Two: Techniques to Lower your Ninety Eight Insurance Rates
Now that you have several rates to compare (since you did compare rates above, right?), we will now show you some additional ways you can lower your Ninety Eight insurance rates.
- 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.
- Membership has it's privleges. If you're a member of a professional organization, check to see if your company offers discounts to its members. It can add up to 5% or more.
- If you have any teenage drivers in your household, expect to fork out quite a bit more for insurance. Rating them on a low profile vehicle with liability only coverage is the best way to save money.
- Small claims that may only exceed your physical damage deductibles by a small amount are better off not being submitted to your company. Just pay the extra hundred dollars or two and keep a claim-free discount on your policy.
- You can check your credit score for free once a year, and it's a good idea to address any problems you find. Better credit results in better insurance rates.
- 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.
- 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.
- If your Oldsmobile is equipped with safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes or a security system, insurance companies will often give a minor discount for those.
- A lead foot will result in higher insurance rates. Slow down, don't get tickets and you'll pay less.
- Letting your car insurance expire without having new coverage in place is called a "lapse" and will cause your next policy premiums to be higher.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your Ninety Eight is on that list, chances are your insurance company knows it and will ding you a little extra because of it.
Step Three: Make an Informed Buying Decision
Car insurance is pretty easy to buy online, but you do need to be aware that it is a legally binding contract. You need to have funds available for a down payment as well as review your coverages for any insufficiencies.
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.
Before you drive your Oldsmobile Ninety Eight home, make sure you have a current car insurance policy in force. Coverage will extend to the new purchase from your policy, but if you don't have a policy then you have no protection. The coverage extended to an add-on vehicle is only as good as the coverage on existing vehicles, so if none of your current insured vehicles have full coverage, your new Ninety Eight won't have it either. So in that case, it's important to call your agent or company directly from the dealership and have them bind coverage immediately.
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. If you are required to file an SR-22 with your state, your new insurance company will take care of that for you. If you cancel your coverage for any reason, you risk the loss of your driver's license.
Other 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.