You will need to protect your finances when you drive in Alabama. This state implements a fault system in vehicular accidents. This means that the person who caused the accident will pay for the losses of anyone who suffered.
Furthermore, violating the state’s Mandatory Liability Insurance Law means possibly paying a fine of $500 for the first violation and up to $1,000 for the second. This could also result in the suspension of your driver’s license for about six months. That is why many drivers in the Cotton State look for the cheapest car insurance they can find.
Below are some useful tips in searching for affordable car insurance in Alabama.
Consider Regional and Local Insurance Providers
Major car insurance companies have the confidence of most car owners. Even so, you may not get the help you need from these big players. Sometimes, regional and local car insurance providers deliver better customer satisfaction than the big names in the industry.
You may find that a local car insurance agent will listen to your needs. Customizing your policy is always possible. Aside from professional advice, these local and regional insurers can provide the most suitable coverage for your budget and needs.
Whether you choose a local insurer or a major auto insurance company, however, what’s important is that the provider can guide you through the process of settling a car insurance claim.
Talk to at Least Three Insurance Companies
Car insurance commercials tend to convince TV viewing car owners that they have the lowest premiums. The truth is that every car insurance company is different and not one of them is the leader of low-cost car insurance in Alabama.
Concentrating on your needs and budget can help you focus on the most promising local insurers in the state. Doing research on insurance providers you have been eyeing and collecting quotes can make your list smaller. Keep doing this until you end up with only one car insurance company that you can afford.
Improve Your Credit Score
In the Cotton State, you can get the least expensive car insurance coverage if you improve your current credit score. Your credit history is an important part of getting insurance in this state. Insurance companies explain that credit score has a direct correlation with filing claims.
Poor credit can increase your car insurance premiums by about hundreds of dollars. Good credit will give you lower rates. You can do this by decreasing your debt and paying all your bills on time.
Always Ask For Discounts
You can increase your chances of getting the best coverage in Alabama if you ask for discounts. Do this while comparing the rates of the insurers on your list. Many insurance providers can give discounts for the following customers:
- Members of affiliate groups or recognized organizations
- Have other existing policies like homeowner’s insurance
- Have cars with safety features
- Have clean driving records
- Agree to receive documents and forms online
- Pay the six-month or annual premium in one go
Select Pay-Per-Mile (PPM) or Usage-Based Insurance (UBI)
Consider pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance if you drive short distances and practice safe driving. PPM and BBI are programs that allow your car insurance provider to keep an eye on your driving. In exchange, you can get valuable discounts. Your provider will track your driving behavior, driving frequency, and driving time.
Take Advantage of Your Age
A new driver or a driver younger than 25 years old can get black box policies. These are the best car insurance rates you can have. Black box policies can also reward you for being an extra careful driver. At this young age, you can add a higher voluntary excess, a less expensive car to insure, and the name of an older driver. These can also lower your premium payments.
Drivers in their sixties to eighties can have lower insurance premiums as well. This depends on the insurer. Some insurance providers even offer more benefits if the senior driver is spending time driving abroad.
Consider Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Insurance
GAP insurance is an elective type of policy. It can cover the difference between what your insurer will pay out and what you already paid for your car. A car’s value can depreciate right away in Alabama or in any state. Because of this, your insurance provider may end up paying less than you calculated earlier.
GAP insurance can save your finances if your car ends up totaled after an accident or stolen. It is an advantage for people who buy cars on finance. Make sure you compare GAP insurance quotes from various providers as well. That way, you can also get the cheapest rates possible.
Think About a No-Claims Discount (NCD)
You can pay lower car insurance premiums if you have a no-claims discount. With this, you can get a discount of about 60%. An insurance provider will typically require proof that you haven’t made an insurance claim in years. The number of years required may vary from one provider to another.
Paying out-of-pocket for your car repairs may defeat the purpose of having a car insurance policy. But doing this over time will improve your eligibility for an NCD and then lower your premiums.
Informing your provider about the need for repairs is the first step. Telling the insurer whether you are going to file a claim or not is next.
Takeaway: Protect Your Finances with the Affordable Car Insurance Premiums in Alabama
Saving money is a priority but it’s equally important to get a car insurance policy capable of meeting your needs. The car insurance you get should tick both boxes. Keeping important details in mind as your credit score and age can help your search easier. Quotes from different insurers will also allow you to weigh coverage quality and price at the same time.
Driving in the Cotton State can be stress-free if you know you have an advantage in the car insurance you have.
