Car insurance is a crucial safety net for any driver to have. While meeting the legal minimum requirements is enough for some car owners, others may want a more comprehensive insurance policy to protect themselves and their loved ones behind the wheel. While this is a marketplace with a lot of opportunities for drivers, it can be overwhelming. That’s why using a car insurance comparison tool can save you a lot of time and stress in searching for the right coverage for your automotive needs.

Understanding Types of Auto Insurance

It’s a good idea for everyone from a teen driver to the most experienced behind the wheel to use a car insurance compare tool to understand the options that are out there. In Australia, all drivers are legally required to have compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance. Also known as green slip insurance, CTP helps cover the cost of compensation claims if you injure or kill someone in a car accident. Depending on which state you live in, it could be included in the cost of your vehicle registration, or you may have to purchase it separately from an insurer.

Beyond that minimum auto insurance policy, some drivers opt for comprehensive coverage. This policy is extensive, covering the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of accidental or malicious damage, as well as theft, fire, hail, and third-party damage regardless of fault in the crash. There’s also third-party property damage coverage, designed to cover you for damage done to another person’s vehicle or property in an accident. There’s also third-party fire & theft coverage which covers damage to other people’s property and can provide limited cover for damage to your vehicle as a result of theft or fire.

Finding Optional Extras

Beyond branching out your car insurance policy to take care of more than just minimum coverage, you can sign on for certain extras through quotes provided by a comparison tool. For example, you can sign on for an optional extra that allows you to pick the mechanic that you take your vehicle to, rather than relying on a repair solely at your insurer’s discretion. A hire-car extra may be recommended for those who rely heavily on their vehicles. Insurance companies may provide you with a replacement hire-car for a set period.

You can also pay for extra coverage to reduce your auto policy’s window glass excess. Typically, an insurance company will charge you a lot to repair damage to windows and windshields. With this extra, you can choose to pay more on your insurance premium to more easily accommodate glass repair and replacement. Roadside assistance extra bundled with comprehensive coverage can eliminate the fear of your car breaking down, affording you a tow, key rescue, or emergency fuel depending on your situation.

Understanding Premiums and Exploring Discounts

By using a car insurance comparison service, you’ll be able to layout the monthly premiums at your disposal clearly, while also evaluating the terms and conditions of each insurance provider’s offerings. You’ll see average rates based on the information you provide for insurance companies to assess you and your vehicles as a risk, as well as those who will get behind the wheel. Keep in mind, teen drivers and older drivers are usually considered high-risk because of a lack of experience or limited capability behind the wheel, respectively.

While this can drive up car insurance premiums, you can also explore discounts available through some insurance companies. Some insurers offer up good student discounts for teens, offering up some savings each month so long as they perform well in the classroom. Defensive driving courses can help older drivers get rebates. Paperless discounts and bundling with insurance companies with other lines of coverage may also lead to some savings. Be sure to weigh all of the options at your disposal.

James Montano