Auto insurance is large part of being a responsible vehicle owner. However, auto insurance policies seem to be written in the most confusing terms possible. This article can help you to better understand what all of those terms mean. By understanding the terms of the auto insurance world, you will be a more informed consumer.

If you have a student in college who is not driving one of the family cars, speak to your auto insurance company about a discount. Most insurance companies understand that a resident student is unlikely to be driving your car very often while they are away at school, and will offer a discount comparable to removing them from the policy.

When you are looking into car insurance you need to think about things like what kind of vehicle that you have. If you like the small, sporty cars your premium is going to be higher than if you had something like a truck. That’s because prices are based somewhat on what you paid for the vehicle but also how much it would cost to repair the vehicle. They even look at if it’s the type of vehicle that gets stolen a lot.

If you are an older driver ask the insurance company that you are looking into about its age discounts. If you have a safe driving record, and are over a certain age, most insurance companies will offer you discounts for it. The best rate period is when you are between the ages of 55 and 70.

Get liability-only coverage. This policy is the cheapest one you can get that still follows all mandatory minimum state laws. Just remember that it does not cover you or your vehicle, only the other person and their vehicle. In the event your car is damaged in some way, you would have to pay for the repairs yourself.

Avoid having more than one driver listed for each car. By assigning a single driver to each vehicle, you will get more affordable rates.

Whenever possible, include your spouse on your automobile policy as a named insured driver. It is quite common for insurers to view married couples as more stable and a better risk than single drivers. Therefore, you are likely to receive a healthy discount on a policy that covers both husband and wife.

When purchasing car insurance, consider opting for the highest deductible option you can get to keep your premiums low. To make sure you have the money to pay the deductible if you should need it, bank the difference from the expensive premium you would pay for a lower deductible. A safe driver will come out way ahead over time.

If you are serious about saving money on automobile insurance, think about downsizing the number of vehicles you use. If your family can get by on only one car, you will save a substantial amount of money. Not only will you pay less for your insurance policy, but you’ll also see savings in your monthly car maintenance bills.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, you should look for a large vehicle. If you buy a van or a truck, chances are damages will not be too bad if you get into an accident. Most insurance companies know this, and offer relatively low rates for these types of vehicles.

You should call your insurance company if you get a DUI. There are some states that require drivers who have gotten a DUI to get a certain type of insurance coverage in order to be able to drive on the road. This coverage is often more expensive and needed for an extended period of time. Your insurance agent should be able to give you all the information you need.

Smart drivers hunting for auto insurance bargains familiarize themselves with all of the different varieties of insurance available. A driver who lacks a thorough understanding of the types of coverage will find it very hard to save money. Conversely, the driver who knows the various coverage types thoroughly can eliminate unnecessary coverage with confidence.

Some drivers save money on their car insurance by registering or insuring their vehicles in places they do not actually live, but this is unwise. All it takes is one insurance claim to wipe out the savings afforded by such a scheme. Insurance companies can deny claims and drop coverage based on such deceptions, and they will discover them at the most inopportune times.

The state’s website should have customer complaint statistics for most of the insurance companies in your state. The consumer complaint ratio will help you decide.

Smart drivers repeat the insurance comparison-shopping process regularly (checking every six months is ideal) to ensure that they do not miss the opportunity to switch to a better insurance company. Insurance policies and special offers change all the time. A quick price check takes little time and the potential benefits can be huge.

When your kids start getting to the age that they want to drive, consider adding them to your own insurance policy. This is often cheaper than having them get their own policy. If you are worried about cost, set up a payment plan with your child so you are sure that you get the money back.

Be aware of any medical coverage that is included with your auto insurance policy. There can be a section on medical payments. This coverage pays for injuries to you and any occupants of your car. In some states, this is optional. In the”no-fault” states, personal injury protection will replace medical payments as part of the regular coverage.

Check what discounts offered by your insurance provider might apply to you. Insurance companies often give breaks to those who do not drive more than 7,500 miles in a calendar year. Your premium will also be reduced if you take any public transit system to work. If public transportation isn’t possible, you could always consider carpooling.

Insurance terms are not easy for most people to understand. By reading this article and learning more about auto insurance and what those terms mean, you can make informed decisions and be confident about your auto insurance policy. When you break it down, the big words are just a way to say pretty simple things. Learning them will make you an informed customer.