February 10, 2016
Comprehensive coverage (also called other than collision (OTC) coverage) helps pay to repair or replace your car after damage from events that aren’t a crash—like theft, vandalism, hail, fire, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It’s optional by state law, but if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will usually require comprehensive (and […]
February 8, 2016
Collision coverage is the part of an auto insurance policy that helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after it’s damaged in a crash—whether you hit another car, a curb, a guardrail, a tree, or you roll over. You pay your share first (your deductible), and your insurer covers the rest up to your […]
February 1, 2016
Your driving history says a lot about you—and insurance companies pay close attention. If you’re a safe, responsible driver with a clean record, your insurance rates will reflect that. But if you have a history of accidents, violations, or reckless behavior, insurers will consider you a high-risk driver, charge higher premiums, or even deny coverage […]
January 28, 2016
Medical payments coverage (often called MedPay) is an optional auto insurance coverage that helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after a car accident—regardless of who caused the crash. Depending on the state and policy, MedPay may also help if you’re injured while riding in someone else’s vehicle or if you’re hit as […]
January 26, 2016
Gap insurance (short for Guaranteed Asset Protection) helps cover the “gap” between what your car is worth and what you still owe on your loan or lease if the vehicle is stolen or declared a covered total loss. It’s optional in many situations, but it can be extremely valuable if your loan balance is higher […]
January 22, 2016
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by many states after certain driving violations. You may need one if you’re caught driving without liability insurance, if you cause an accident while uninsured, or if you’re working to reinstate driving privileges after a DUI or similar offense. The SR-22 itself is not insurance; it’s […]
January 12, 2016
If you own a car but don’t drive very often, you may be leaving money on the table. Many drivers don’t realize that insurance companies offer discounts specifically for people who put fewer miles on their vehicle each year. These “low mileage discounts” can significantly reduce your premiums—sometimes by hundreds of dollars annually. Surprisingly, most […]
January 11, 2016
Today’s vehicles are packed with more technology than ever—smart sensors, connectivity tools, advanced safety systems, and mobile apps that track everything from mileage to driving behavior. What many drivers don’t realize is that these same technologies can also help them save money on car insurance. Even if you aren’t driving a brand-new EV or high-tech […]
January 8, 2016
Most drivers buy car insurance and don’t think about it again until renewal—or until they need to file a claim. But insurers, prices, your household, and your vehicle can all change over time. A quick “policy check-up” helps you avoid paying for the wrong coverage, missing discounts, or learning the hard way that something you […]
January 7, 2016
When you’re preparing for a move, you probably spend time researching neighborhoods, home prices, schools, amenities, and commute times. But there’s one important thing many people overlook: how moving will affect your car insurance rates. Your car insurance price can change dramatically when you relocate — sometimes increasing or decreasing by hundreds or even thousands […]
July 30, 2015
Driverless tech won’t eliminate insurance — it will shift risk from individual drivers to a mix of owners, fleets, automakers, and software providers. Expect fewer crashes over time, but also higher repair costs, more data-driven pricing, and more commercial/fleet policies. Bottom line: Even in a highly automated future, you’ll still see coverage for bodily injury/property […]
June 25, 2015
Most companies reward loyalty—airlines offer miles, coffee shops give free drinks, and retailers send exclusive discounts. Car insurance, however, is often the opposite. Many insurers quietly raise rates on long-term customers through a practice called price optimization, betting you’ll stay put and keep paying more. How Insurers Raise Rates on Loyal Customers In a perfect […]
June 8, 2015
Retirement changes almost everything about your budget—including your car insurance. As drivers age, insurers often see them as higher risk, especially after 70, and premiums can creep up even with a clean record. The reality nowadays is different: many retirees are healthier, drive less, and maintain excellent driving histories well into their 70s and 80s. […]
February 17, 2015
It’s long been assumed that becoming a safer driver primarily requires time behind the wheel and accumulated experience. Many argue that cautious, mature drivers — like women over age 30 — are among the safest on the road. But recent research suggests there may be another (surprising) way to boost your driving instincts: playing action […]
January 28, 2015
Unless you live in an area with strong public transportation options, owning a car is often a necessity. A vehicle gives you the freedom to travel when and where you need—whether for work, errands, or family responsibilities. But convenience comes with a cost: between fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, driving can eat up a significant […]
January 15, 2015
Car insurance used to be relatively affordable and stable. In the last few years, though, premiums have surged across most of the United States. Inflation, higher repair and medical costs, more severe claims, and increasingly complex vehicles have all pushed auto insurance rates higher. Older research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) — based on […]
September 10, 2014
Car insurance is usually expensive for students because insurers see younger, less-experienced drivers as more likely to file claims—especially teens and first-time drivers. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with sky-high premiums, though. With the right discounts, smart coverage choices, and a little comparison shopping, many students (and parents) can significantly reduce the cost. Below are […]
August 28, 2014
Shopping for car insurance online should be simple—but it often isn’t. Many insurers demand pages of personal details and sometimes even your Social Security Number (SSN) before showing a single price. The good news: you can compare real auto insurance quotes without giving away highly sensitive information. With the right tools, you can see rates, […]
August 25, 2014
If you don’t own a car, it’s easy to overlook insurance when you rent a car or borrow one from a friend. But driving uninsured (even “just for a day”) can expose you to massive out-of-pocket costs after a crash—and it can create legal headaches fast. In the U.S., nearly every state requires drivers to […]
August 8, 2014
Yes—older adults can often find affordable car insurance. Many senior drivers have strong advantages (decades of experience, stable driving habits, lower annual mileage), which can translate into good rates and solid discount eligibility. That said, some drivers see rates creep up later in life due to higher injury severity in crashes and certain age-related risk […]
March 7, 2014
Thinking about switching car insurance companies? You’re not alone. Drivers change insurers all the time for better prices, improved service, or coverage that fits new life circumstances. The good news: switching is easier than most people think—and when done right, it can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Before you move your policy, it […]
February 28, 2014
Rental car insurance is one of the most confusing parts of renting a vehicle—mostly because the “insurance” at the counter is really a menu of different coverages, some of which you may already have through your personal auto policy, your credit card, or your health/home coverage. This guide breaks down what rental companies sell, what […]
February 19, 2014
No matter what part of the country you live in, winter driving requires different habits than other times of the year. Even northern Florida experiences bridge icing on cold nights—creating dangerous “black ice.” The farther north you go, the more frequently you’ll encounter snow, ice, wind, and visibility challenges. Some of the primary dangers of […]
February 16, 2014
Auto liability insurance is the part of your car insurance policy that pays other people’s expenses after a crash you cause (or are found legally responsible for). If you rear-end someone, for example, liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills, car repairs, and certain legal costs—up to your policy limits. Because liability claims […]
September 24, 2013
Gas prices are something that everyone tries to pay attention to on a regular basis. A small increase in the average gas price can definitely have a huge impact on your monthly budget, especially if you are someone who has to drive a relatively long distance just to go to and from work every day. […]