Are you buying auto insurance for the first time? You probably don’t even know where to start. It’s no secret that purchasing auto insurance for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Below are some tips that can help to make getting a new auto insurance policy a bit smoother.

To make sure your insurance covers you like it should, make sure you know how to file a claim and keep the paper work related to your insurance policy handy. When something happens, do not wait to file a claim. Contact your insurance right away so that they can help you out quickly.

To get the most for your money when pricing automobile insurance, be sure to consider the extras that are included with some policies. You can save on towing costs with emergency roadside assistance that is included by some insurers. Others may offer discounts for good drivers or including more than one car on your policy.

Before you add your teenage driver to your auto insurance policy, take a look at your own credit history. If your credit is good, it’s usually cheaper to add a teen to your own policy. But if you have had credit problems, it would be better not to hand that on to your child; start them off with a policy in their own name.

Adding value to your car is not a good thing, if you want to save money on your insurance policy. A nice stereo system, rims and tinted windows may look nice driving down the street, but this added value will be reflected in your monthly premiums. Keep it simple, if you want lower insurance payments.

Your teenage driver may be eligible for a number of discounts that could make auto insurance more affordable, so be sure to ask. Some companies will give a discount to good students with a GPA above 3.0. Your teen’s premiums may also gradually decrease as they accumulate a safe driving record. Defensive driving courses and a car with plenty of safety features can also get you a cheaper policy.

Do some thorough planning ahead when shopping for your next car. Planning ahead can save you a lot of money when it comes time to put it on your car insurance plan. Start looking at statistics and comparing prices early on. It’s always a great idea to plan for the future.

A great tip for saving money on automobile insurance is to shop for, and purchase your policy online. It is common for insurers to provide discounts for internet customers, because it is less expensive for them to process an application received through their own website than it would be if purchasers were to consult with a live employee. In this way, it is possible for consumers to realize savings of between 5-10%.

To make sure you’re getting fair pricing in your premiums, verify that your reported information is accurate in your policy. For example, ensure that the make/model of your vehicle is correct, the number of miles on the vehicle when you took out the policy, etc. Even your reported commuting distance is important as shorter commuting distances can have a positive effect on your premium savings.

Be aware of what your FICO score is and know how to change it if you want to save big on your auto insurance. Auto insurance companies are using your FICO score to determine just how much of a risk you pose to them. Having a poor score will mean you pay more. It’s as simple as that. So check your score and learn how to improve it.

As you have seen, buying auto insurance is not as scary as it may appear at first. Just think of all of the benefits it has and all of the expenses it can take care of, along with all of the money it can save you in the long run.