9 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance in Goose Creek

If price shopping auto insurance online is new to you, it’s easy to be confused by the vast number of online auto insurance companies and websites all offering big savings in Goose Creek.

Comparison of Auto Insurance in Goose Creek, South Carolina

To find the best auto insurance prices, there are several ways to compare quotes from auto insurance companies in your area. The best way to find competitive insurance rates consists of shopping online. This is very easy and can be done in a couple of different ways.

1. The best way to get quotes for comparison is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This method saves time by eliminating multiple quote forms for each company. One quote request gets you price quotes from multiple low-cost companies. It’s the fastest way to compare.
2. Another way to compare prices is to manually visit the website for each individual company to complete a price quote. For examples sake, we’ll assume you want rates from State Farm, Liberty Mutual and Travelers. To get each rate you have to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a handy list of car insurance company links in Goose Creek, click here.

However you get your quotes, ensure you are comparing identical coverages on every quote you get. If you are comparing differing limits it will be impossible to decipher which rate is best in Goose Creek. Quoting even small variations in coverages can make a big difference in price. Just remember that comparing more company’s prices will enable you to find the best price.

Discounts are available to cut your rates

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there could be available discounts to help offset the cost. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time of purchase, but a few must be asked about in order for you to get them.

• Discount for Swiching Early – A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. The savings is around 10%.
• New Vehicle Savings – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
• No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially compared to frequent claim filers.
• Good Student – This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
• Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Drivers who require all occupants to use a seat belt could cut 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
• Payment Discounts – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
• Federal Employees – Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
• Multiple Cars – Buying insurance for all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
• Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you may qualify for a small decrease in premiums.

Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way. But all discounts will cut your overall premium however.

To choose companies offering auto insurance discounts in Goose Creek, click here to view.

Everyone needs different coverages

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.

Here are some questions about coverages that might help in determining whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

• Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
• What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
• Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
• If my vehicle is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?
• Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
• Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
• Should I buy only the required South Carolina minimum liability coverage?
• Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
• Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?

If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form.

Auto insurance coverage considerations

Understanding the coverages of auto insurance can be of help when determining which coverages you need and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be ambiguous and reading a policy is terribly boring.

Auto liability insurance

This can cover damage that occurs to other’s property or people that is your fault. This insurance protects YOU against claims from other people. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see liability limits of 25/50/25 which means a limit of $25,000 per injured person, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Another option is a combined limit which provides one coverage limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.

Liability coverage pays for things like repair costs for stationary objects, medical services, bail bonds and medical expenses. How much coverage you buy is a personal decision, but buy as large an amount as possible. South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least 25,000/50,000/25,000 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.

Coverage for collisions

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision coverage pays for things such as crashing into a building, rolling your car, crashing into a ditch, scraping a guard rail and hitting a parking meter. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision

This covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against things like fire damage, hitting a bird, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, damage from getting keyed and vandalism. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Medical costs insurance

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for bills like prosthetic devices, doctor visits and ambulance fees. The coverages can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. They cover both the driver and occupants and will also cover getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

UM/UIM Coverage

This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. It can pay for hospital bills for your injuries and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.

Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits (25/50/25 in South Carolina), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Frequently the UM/UIM limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.

Some additional reading

Much more information about auto insurance in South Carolina can be found on the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. South Carolina consumers can file complaints about a company, read state legal mandates and laws, report car insurance fraud, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Other useful links include III.org’s auto insurance page and this page of insurance agents in Goose Creek.