The most effective way to find low-cost prices for auto insurance rates in Columbus is to start comparing prices regularly from different companies in Ohio. Prices can be compared by completing these steps.
- It will benefit you to learn about the different coverages in a policy and the measures you can control to keep rates down. Many rating factors that result in higher rates such as your driving record and an unacceptable credit score can be amended by being financially responsible and driving safely. This article provides more information to help keep rates affordable and find discounts that may have been missed.
- Compare price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can provide rates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can give you price quotes from multiple sources.
- Compare the new rates to your current policy to see if you can save by switching companies. If you can save money, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
One key aspect of rate comparisons is that you use similar coverage information on every quote and and to get price estimates from as many carriers as you can. Doing this guarantees the most accurate price comparison and a thorough selection of prices.
A recent car insurance study discovered that 70% of consumers have purchased from the same company for four years or more, and 38% of drivers have never quoted rates to find affordable coverage. Drivers in Columbus could save an average of roughly 55% each year just by comparing rates, but they just don’t want to compare rates.
To find more affordable rates, there are a couple of ways to compare quotes from companies that offer insurance in Ohio. The quickest method to compare rates consists of shopping online. Keep in mind that more quotes helps locate the best price.
The companies shown below have been selected to offer comparison quotes in Ohio. If several companies are displayed, it’s a good idea that you click on several of them in order to find the most affordable rates.
Car insurance protects more than just your car
Despite the fact that car insurance is not cheap in Columbus, paying for car insurance is required in Ohio but also provides important benefits.
- Almost all states have compulsory liability insurance requirements which means it is punishable by state law to not carry a specific level of liability coverage if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In Ohio these limits are 25/50/25 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you took out a loan on your Pontiac, most lenders will have a requirement that you buy insurance to guarantee their interest in the vehicle. If you let the policy lapse, the lender may have to buy a policy to insure your Pontiac at a more expensive rate and force you to pay for the expensive policy.
- Insurance protects both your Pontiac and your personal assets. It will also reimburse you for many types of medical costs for not only you but also any passengers injured in an accident. Liability coverage will also pay to defend you if you are sued as the result of your driving. If you have damage to your Pontiac as the result of the weather or an accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will cover the repair costs.
The benefits of carrying enough insurance definitely exceed the cost, especially with large liability claims. Despite what companies tell you, the average driver is currently overpaying as much as $869 every year so shop around each time the policy renews to be sure current rates are still competitive.
Car insurance coverages for a Pontiac G8
Having a good grasp of car insurance helps when choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Policy terminology can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. Listed below are typical coverage types found on most car insurance policies.
Comprehensive insurance
This pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things such as damage from flooding, damage from a tornado or hurricane, hitting a deer and rock chips in glass. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle from other motorists when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Pontiac G8.
Since a lot of drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (25/50/25 in Ohio), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage reimburse you for expenses such as nursing services, pain medications and chiropractic care. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
Collision coverage protection
Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your G8 from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage pays for things like damaging your car on a curb, colliding with a tree, colliding with another moving vehicle, scraping a guard rail and backing into a parked car. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. It’s also possible to raise the deductible on your G8 to get cheaper collision coverage.
Coverage for liability
Liability insurance will cover damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property by causing an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show policy limits of 25/50/25 which means a limit of $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $25,000.
Liability insurance covers things such as repair costs for stationary objects, court costs and bail bonds. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but consider buying as high a limit as you can afford. Ohio requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/25 but you should think about purchasing higher limits.
The next chart shows why the minimum limit may not be high enough to adequately cover claims.