January 12, 2019
Getting into a car accident is stressful—then the settlement offer comes in and you’re not sure if it’s fair. The good news is that auto insurance settlements are negotiable in many situations, especially when you can document your losses and explain (clearly) why the offer should be higher. This guide walks you through how to […]
January 11, 2019
The state of California is huge—geographically and demographically. With nearly 40 million residents and dense metros like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, it’s no surprise that insuring a car here isn’t cheap. If you own a vehicle in California, you’ve probably noticed that your premiums are higher than what friends or family pay in […]
January 10, 2019
Most drivers think about auto insurance for collisions, theft, or vandalism—but fire damage can be just as financially devastating. The good news: car insurance can cover fire damage in many situations. The catch is that it depends on which coverage you carry (and what caused the fire). If you only have minimum liability coverage, your […]
January 9, 2019
You were in an accident and filed a claim with your insurer. Now you’re worried your rates are going to increase—and you’re wondering if switching companies will help. Here’s the reality: car insurance companies can (and often do) see your prior claims history. Even if you change insurers, you generally can’t “erase” a claim—especially if […]
January 5, 2019
You’re not the type to chase the newest model. Instead, you’re proud to drive an older, paid-off vehicle that still runs well and doesn’t come with a monthly car payment. The one bill you still have, of course, is your auto insurance. Many financial sites suggest dropping collision coverage on older, paid-off vehicles to save […]
December 26, 2018
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how stressful it can be. Beyond dealing with damage and injuries, you also worry about what will happen to your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, which promises to protect you from a premium increase after an at-fault crash. But what exactly is […]
December 18, 2018
“Temporary” or “short-term” car insurance can mean a few different things, and that’s where most confusion comes from. In the U.S., most mainstream insurers don’t sell true 1-day or 1-week standalone policies. Instead, “short-term coverage” usually means using one of several practical options to stay legal and protected for a limited time. This guide explains […]
December 17, 2018
Auto insurance rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements—usually liability insurance—and some states also require additional coverages like PIP or uninsured motorist protection. This guide explains how state minimums work, what the common “25/50/25” format means, and includes a state-by-state chart you can use as a quick reference. Because laws change, […]
December 5, 2018
This is your practical guide to saving money on your car expenses. From choosing the right vehicle and maintaining it wisely to cutting repair, fuel, and insurance costs, these strategies can easily save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars per year. Buckle up—there’s a lot here, but it’s broken into sections so you can scan and apply […]
November 28, 2018
You’ve been involved in an accident, but you didn’t have the right insurance — or maybe no insurance at all. Now you’re wondering: can you buy coverage after the crash and use it to pay for the damage? Can you buy car insurance after an accident? Can you backdate coverage or file a claim for […]
November 21, 2018
A car accident is stressful. A car accident without insurance can turn into a financial and legal mess fast—especially if someone is injured or there’s serious property damage. What happens next depends on (1) who caused the accident, (2) whether you’re in an at-fault or no-fault state, and (3) whether your state has extra rules […]
November 20, 2018
Hit and runs are frustrating and stressful. If you’re lucky, however, you might catch the other driver’s license plate before they disappear. So you’ve been in a hit and run accident—but you have a license plate number. What should you do next? Below, we explain the steps you should take after a hit and run […]
November 14, 2018
So you’ve been in a few accidents, and now you’re wondering: how many accidents does it take before car insurance companies start to get nervous? Can an insurer actually drop you for having too many claims or at-fault crashes? Below, we explain how insurers think about multiple accidents, the difference between cancellation and non-renewal, and […]
November 6, 2018
Insurance companies group drivers into risk categories. Some drivers are labeled “high risk,” which usually means paying higher premiums than drivers with clean records and fewer risk factors. The good news? High-risk status doesn’t have to be permanent. Over time, most drivers can qualify for standard car insurance again. If you’re trying to move from […]
October 19, 2018
If you’re a new driver, car insurance can feel like something you buy and hope you never use. But understanding how drivers actually use their policies is one of the easiest ways to choose the right coverage (and avoid surprises after an accident). The most common question is simple: What are the most common car […]
October 13, 2018
If you want to legally drive your new car, you need valid auto insurance. Many buyers wonder whether there’s a grace period for getting insurance on a new car—or if coverage must be purchased immediately. Below, we explain how new car insurance grace periods work, when they apply, and what to expect, whether you already […]
October 4, 2018
Getting car insurance as a new driver can feel overwhelming. You’re entering the insurance world with little to no driving history, and rates may seem confusing or unfair at first. The good news? Thanks to online quote comparison tools—including our own—it’s easier than ever to find affordable coverage, even if you’re brand new to driving. […]
October 2, 2018
Car insurance companies can deny coverage to certain drivers. Auto insurers are not legally required to offer a policy to everyone, and most companies reserve the right to cancel a policy within the first 30 to 60 days if they discover disqualifying information. If you are considered too risky—or violate policy terms—an insurer can deny, […]
September 29, 2018
Auto insurance limits can be confusing. Some people choose the lowest limits because they “never get into accidents,” while others buy far more coverage than they realistically need and end up overspending for years. So what auto insurance limits should you actually carry? Below, we break down what’s legally required, what experts recommend, and how […]
September 25, 2018
Car insurance is one of the smartest financial safety nets you can buy—and in most states, you need at least minimum coverage auto insurance to legally drive. But it’s still fair to ask: how do car insurance companies make money while paying for crashes, theft, and repairs? The short version: auto insurers earn revenue from […]
September 20, 2018
If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident that damaged a vehicle or caused injuries. One of the first things most people do afterward is contact their auto insurer to file a claim and hope the company will pay enough to cover the loss. But […]
August 31, 2018
Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or parking at the mall, there’s always a risk of an accident in a parking lot. Low speeds often mean minor damage, but determining fault can be surprisingly complicated. Parking lots have cars traveling in multiple directions, drivers backing out of spaces, pedestrians walking around, and lanes that […]
August 14, 2018
If you’re on a tight budget, car insurance can feel like one of the hardest “must-pay” bills—especially as premiums rise in many states. And while some people assume there must be a national assistance program, that’s usually not how auto insurance works in the U.S. In most cases, public benefits don’t directly pay your car […]
August 11, 2018
Getting the right auto insurance is critical for Uber and Lyft drivers. Standard personal auto insurance won’t fully protect you while ridesharing—and relying only on Uber or Lyft’s protection may leave costly gaps. Below, we break down the best insurance options for rideshare drivers and explain why specialized coverage is essential. Today, we’re highlighting the […]
August 8, 2018
Have you been shocked by your latest auto insurance bill? You’re not alone. Millions of drivers see premium increases each year—sometimes for reasons that feel confusing or unfair. Why do car insurance companies raise rates? Is it inflation, underwriting adjustments, or something specific to you? Below, we break down the most common reasons car insurance […]