As the old saying goes, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” Car insurance undeniably meets that threshold. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 13 car accidents occur every minute throughout the U.S. Indeed, stats like this make it obvious that having a car insurance policy is important and that motorists should always prepare for worst-case scenarios. 

Still, finding the best insurance provider and policy can be difficult. There are dozens of companies with which to partner, making it vitally important to carefully consider and research your options. Here are a few tips to make the process a lot easier:

1. Think Ahead

Buying or leasing a new or used vehicle? Regardless, you may not always be thinking of insurance costs after first getting your keys. Admittedly, you may be carefully considering different custom options and packages for your vehicle, and car insurance might be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to realize your insurance costs and premiums will be more expensive if you purchase a newer and/or luxury vehicle. For example, insurance costs for a Porsche aren’t the same compared to a Nissan or Toyota. So, if you happen to still be at the stage of purchasing your car, add insurance costs into your list of considerations before signing on the dotted line.

2. Use Comparison Tools

If you’ve already purchased or leased a new car, realizing the cost of insurance, later on, may not lend itself to finding the best deals. A common mistake most people make is failing to research the options available to them. When you initially went to the dealership and bought that car, a lot of thought and research went into that decision. You should make the same effort as you look to insure it. Using comparison tools makes this process much easier. In particular, these tools compile information on various car insurance options, making it easy for you to compare and contrast them. 

3. Ask About Discounts and Special Plans

Looking to purchase cheap car insurance? Most insurance companies offer cheaper auto insurance rates through special plans and discounts for students, seniors, and current and former members of the armed forces. One prominent example is USAA, which offers insurance plans exclusively for military veterans and those currently serving. Other ways to earn a discount include:

• Having anti-theft features in your car
• Insuring multiple cars with a single policy
• Having good grades as a full-time student

There are also some special packages, like usage-based and pay-per-time insurance, that can help bring down the cost of your insurance costs. Of course, these discounts are largely dependent on much or, in many cases, how little you use your car.

The Value of Quality Car Insurance

Despite car manufacturers endeavoring to constantly make their vehicles more efficient and safer, the rate of car accidents continues to increase year after year. That’s why it’s critical to find the right insurance policy for your and your family’s needs in case of a fender bender. Of course, not all insurance companies are created equal. But by being forward-thinking, comparing your options, and looking into special discounts, you’ll be well on your to finding the policy that best suits your needs.