Tightwads Guide to Insuring a Pontiac Sunbird / 2000
If buying auto insurance was as easy as it sounds on TV commercials, we'd have no problem getting the lowest rates. But the reality is, it's a chore for most people and we seem to always end up paying more than we want to. Buying insurance on your Pontiac Sunbird / 2000 might leave you feeling the same way.
Step One: Compare Multiple Rate Quotes
In years past, the only way to purchase car insurance was to visit the office of a local agent. Welcome to the NEW way to buy car insurance!
Comparing insurance rates for a Pontiac Sunbird / 2000 only require you to enter your information once. You'll receive multiple quotes and can easily compare rates.
To start, click the link below to begin entering your information. After you complete the form, you will receive comparison rates from different companies so you easily determine if you can save money.
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 Sunbird / 2000.
Step Two: How to Insure your Sunbird / 2000 for Less
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 Sunbird / 2000 that will also lower the rate you pay irregardless of which company you choose.
- 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.
- 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.
- If your insurance company allows driver-specific car rating, you can save money by rating any teenage drivers on low profile vehicles with either no physical damage coverage or very high deductibles.
- Consider taking a defensive driving course. You can often make up the cost of the course in as little as a single policy renewal.
- 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.
- Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same company can often get you a discount, and just being a homeowner in itself will get you a lower rate.
- Filing too many claims with your company can end up either costing you more for insurance or having your policy cancelled. Insurance companies don't like paying any more than you do, but they have the option of whether to keep you as a policyholder or not.
- 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.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your Sunbird / 2000 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
Once you have compared identical rate quotes for your Sunbird / 2000 and made a decision on deductibles, coverages and other policy options, you are ready to buy your policy with the new company.
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 Pontiac Sunbird / 2000 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. If you have a current policy and you only carry liability coverage, then that's the only coverage that will automatically extend to your Sunbird / 2000. But if you currently carry full coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage will extend to your new vehicle.
All states require you to keep the proof-of-insurance or financial responsibility card in your vehicle at all times. Failure to produce this document can result in a citation. If your state requires you to file an SR-22 for being a high-risk driver, make sure your new company is aware of this requirement. Failure to comply can result in loss of your driver's license.
More Insurance Buying Tips
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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