Tightwads Guide to Insuring a Pontiac Wave
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, you probably don't enjoy it and you think it costs too much. You might feel the same pain when having to pay the bill on your Pontiac Wave.
Step One: Compare Multiple Rate Quotes
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. Not anymore!
Getting online rate quotes for a Pontiac Wave from all the major insurance companies is very easy and only requires you to enter your information once.
Simply click the link below to start a quote that will compare rates from many companies and you may find a lower rate than you're currently paying.
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 Wave.
Step Two: Insider Tips for Finding Cheaper Wave Insurance
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 Wave that will also lower the rate you pay irregardless of which company you choose.
- Consider taking a defensive driving course. You can often make up the cost of the course in as little as a single policy renewal.
- Insurance companies often give discounts to senior citizens and professional organizations, so if you're one of those, check to see if you qualify.
- 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.
- Smaller claims that hardly exceed your deductible are better off not being filed with your insurance company. Policyholders with no claims enjoy lower rates than those who frequently file claims.
- Check your credit rating each year and address any problem areas. Higher credit scores mean lower car insurance rates.
- If you rent rather than own a home, you may be paying more for car insurance. Homeowners often get lower rates.
- Consider using higher deductibles for physical damage coverages like comprehensive and collision. Higher deductibles save money since you're willing to pay more out-of-pocket at claim time.
- Safety features such as antilock brakes, traction control and air bag systems all help reduce the cost of car insurance by keeping the passengers safer.
- Speeding not only costs you a fine, a single ticket will raise your car insurance rates for up to three years. Slow down and be a safe driver and you'll pay lower rates.
- Do not allow your current car insurance coverage to lapse or expire. Insurance companies have a simple way to find out when your last policy ended (called a CLUE report), and if you went without coverage for any length of time you may pay more for coverage.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your Wave is on that list, chances are your insurance company knows it and will ding you a little extra because of it.
Step Three: Choose the Right Company for You
Now that you hopefully have several rates to compare and have made any changes needed to your individual coverages, you can choose the best company to insure your Wave with.
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 are adding a vehicle to an existing policy and not buying a new one, just make sure to get the vehicle added as soon as possible. Every insurance company offers a grace period to add new vehicles, so make sure you get the Pontiac added prior to the expiration of this grace period. 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.
The proof-of-insurance card that is required by state law to be carried in your vehicle can be printed out upon completion of your car insurance policy. 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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