Insure a Volvo S80 like a Penny Pincher
If finding affordable car insurance was easy, most of us would take the time to do it. But more than likely, it's challenging for most people and we always end up paying more than we want. Finding insurance for your Volvo S80 that you can actually afford is probably no different.
Step One: Shop Around
In years past, the only way to purchase car insurance was to visit the office of a local agent. Thanks to the internet, insurance shopping is a whole lot easier!
Comparing insurance rates for a Volvo S80 only require you to enter your information once. You'll receive multiple quotes and can easily compare rates.
To compare rates now, have your current policy handy (if you have one) and click the link below. Complete the short form and move on to step two.
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 S80.
Step Two: How to Cut Costs on S80 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 S80.
- If you carry full coverage on your vehicle, you can slash your rates by increasing your comprehensive and collision deductibles. You'll pay more out-of-pocket but you will save with every renewal.
- Repair costs generally trend higher as the price of a vehicle goes up. So by owning a S80, you can expect higher repair bills and also higher insurance rates because of this.
- 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.
- 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.
- If your city or county offers a driver's safety course, find out if your insurance company will give you a discount to complete it. It could save you up to 10%.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Insurance companies often give discounts to senior citizens and professional organizations, so if you're one of those, check to see if you qualify.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your S80 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
You've compared rates and hopefully looked over the coverages for each vehicle on your policy to make sure they're adequate. Now you can make the big decision on which company will best fulfill your needs.
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 already have a car insurance policy, then your Volvo S80 will be covered as soon as your purchase it. If this is your first vehicle, you will want to make sure you have coverage in place as soon as your purchase it. If you have a current policy and you only carry liability coverage, then that's the only coverage that will automatically extend to your S80. 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.