Author: James Shaffer
Does Credit Score Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
December 17, 2019
Your credit can have a real impact on your car insurance premium. In most states, insurers use information from your credit report to help predict risk and set rates—so drivers with strong credit often pay less than drivers with poor (or thin) credit, all else equal. But “credit score and car insurance” is more complicated […]
Is Insurance In a No-Fault State More Expensive?
December 16, 2019
America’s auto insurance laws fall into two broad categories: traditional “at-fault” (tort) systems and “no-fault” systems. Because of the way claims are handled, many people wonder whether car insurance in a no-fault state is more expensive than in a traditional liability state. Below, we explain how no-fault car insurance works, which states use it, and […]
What Organizations Offer the Best Discounts for Car Insurance?
December 11, 2019
We all want to pay less for car insurance. One of the easiest ways to cut your bill is to take advantage of “affinity” or organization-based discounts – deals tied to memberships, jobs, alumni groups, and more. How much can you save on car insurance through USAA, Costco, AAA, BJ’s, or the AARP? Do firefighters […]
What Is Collateral Protection Insurance and How Does It Work?
December 5, 2019
If you finance or lease a car, your lender usually requires you to carry certain types of car insurance to protect the vehicle until it’s paid off. If the lender can’t verify that coverage (or your policy lapses), they may add Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI)—also called lender-placed or force-placed auto insurance—to your loan. Here’s the […]
How to Get Cheap Assigned Risk Auto Insurance
December 2, 2019
Certain high-risk drivers are required to get assigned risk auto insurance. Just because you’re in the assigned risk pool, however, doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. Below, we explain how assigned risk auto insurance works, who qualifies, what it typically costs, and the best ways to get the cheapest assigned risk coverage you […]
What Is Insurance Coverage?
November 30, 2019
Insurance coverage is the protection you get through an insurance policy. It describes what the policy will pay for, who or what is protected, and how much the insurer will pay if you have a covered loss. For example, auto insurance provides coverage for your vehicle and/or your liability to other people. Homeowners insurance provides […]
What Is My Car Insurance Score?
November 26, 2019
Your car insurance score quietly plays a big role in how much you pay for auto insurance. Yet most drivers have never seen their score, don’t know how it’s calculated, and aren’t sure how to improve it. Below, we’ll break down what a car insurance score is, how it works, how it affects your premiums, […]
Do I Have Too Much Car Insurance Coverage?
November 23, 2019
Some drivers don’t have enough auto insurance and are dangerously exposed. Others pay for way more coverage than they’re ever likely to use. If you’re wondering, “Do I have too much car insurance coverage?”, the real goal isn’t “more” or “less” — it’s the right-sized amount of protection for your situation. Below, we’ll walk through […]
What Is a Policyholder?
November 21, 2019
A policyholder is the person (or business/entity) that owns an insurance policy. Their name appears on the policy documents (often on the declarations page), and they control the contract—meaning they can usually pay premiums, make changes, add or remove people/vehicles/property, renew, or cancel the policy. If you have car insurance, homeowners insurance, or renters insurance […]
What Is Pre-Loss Condition?
November 20, 2019
Pre-loss condition is the condition your property (like a car or home) was in immediately before it was damaged. In an auto claim, that means what your vehicle looked like, how it ran, and what it was worth right before the crash, theft, fire, or other covered loss. You buy insurance—like car insurance—so you can […]
Can You Temporarily Add Someone Else to Your Car Insurance Policy?
November 8, 2019
It’s usually very simple to temporarily add another driver to your car insurance policy. If you have a friend or family member who will be borrowing your car on a regular basis, you generally need to list them on your policy to be sure they’re covered in an accident. Most insurers don’t sell a true […]
Do You Need Accidental Death Coverage with Your Auto Insurance?
November 6, 2019
When signing up for a car insurance policy, you’ll have a choice between several different types of coverage. It can be challenging to determine which protections are truly essential and which are unnecessary add-ons. One option you might see is “accidental death coverage” (sometimes listed as an accidental death benefit). It’s not required, and it […]
Do Tickets for Texting Affect Your Car Insurance?
October 5, 2019
By now, everyone knows that texting while driving is dangerous. A quick glance at your phone can take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a serious crash. That’s why nearly every state in the U.S. has banned texting behind the wheel—many also restrict all handheld phone use. Still, the temptation to check […]
What Is Stacked Insurance Coverage?
October 3, 2019
When you shop for car insurance, you’ll run into a lot of unfamiliar terms. One of the most confusing is stacked coverage (also called stacking). In the right situation, stacking can significantly increase how much protection you have if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver—without you needing to change cars, move insurers, or […]
What Is the Claims-Free Discount?
September 28, 2019
Auto insurance companies offer many different policy discounts, and it can be confusing for new customers to sort through them all. One of the most valuable—and most common—savings opportunities is the claims-free discount. If you’ve gone several years without filing a claim, your insurer may reward you with lower premiums. Here’s what the claims-free discount […]
Additional Coverage Options – Auto Insurance Add-Ons Explained
August 29, 2019
Buying auto insurance isn’t just checking a box and picking a limit. Beyond the core coverages, most insurers offer optional add-ons (also called endorsements) that can help in very specific situations—like replacing a totaled new car, paying for a tow, or covering you if another driver has little (or no) insurance. Some add-ons are great […]
Which Safety Features Can Give You a Discount on Your Auto Insurance?
August 26, 2019
Yes—many cars qualify for insurance discounts based on safety equipment, especially airbags/passive restraints, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-theft systems, and certain driver-assist features. The catch is that discounts vary by insurer and state, and they’re often applied to specific parts of your policy instead of your entire premium. Most drivers know they […]
Can Telematics Help You Save on Auto Insurance?
August 24, 2019
Telematics has become one of the biggest trends in auto insurance. Instead of pricing your policy only on things like age, ZIP code, and credit, telematics programs use technology (usually an app or plug-in device) to track how, when, and how much you drive. In return, you may get a personalized discount—if your driving habits […]
Are There Paperless Billing Discounts for Car Insurance?
August 23, 2019
Paperless billing is everywhere now. Banks, utilities, and streaming services all push customers to go digital—and auto insurers are no different. Going paperless saves companies money on printing and postage, reduces clutter for you, and is better for the environment. But the big question is: does paperless billing actually lower your car insurance bill? The […]
What Happens with Insurance If You Hit a Parked Car?
August 15, 2019
Hitting a parked car is more common than most people realize. Maybe you’re pulling into a tight parking lot, backing into a space, or misjudging the nose of the vehicle behind you and clip their front bumper. You get out and see your own bumper scratched and the other car dented. Sound familiar? Hitting a […]
How Much Commission Does an Auto Insurance Agent Make?
August 14, 2019
Auto insurance agents can make a solid living, but their pay is rarely a simple “salary only” number. Many agents earn income through a mix of base pay, commissions, and bonuses — and some are paid mostly (or entirely) on commission. If you’re researching the career path, start here: auto insurance agents. Below, we’ll break […]
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance as an International Student in the U.S.
August 12, 2019
As an international or exchange student in the United States, having access to a car can make life much easier. You might want to drive to university classes, work, or social activities, and host families may be willing to share access to a vehicle. The biggest hurdle usually isn’t the car itself—it’s getting affordable car […]
What Is a Disappearing Deductible?
August 3, 2019
A disappearing deductible (also called a vanishing or diminishing deductible) isn’t a magic trick. It’s an optional feature some insurers offer that can reduce what you pay out of pocket for certain claims over time—usually as a reward for safe driving or staying claim-free. It can be appealing if you carry a higher deductible to […]
How and When Can You Change Car Insurance Coverage or Limits?
July 31, 2019
People often hesitate to make changes to their car insurance because they assume it’s a hassle or that they’re “stuck” until the policy renews. Others worry they’ll lose money or pay penalties if they adjust coverage mid-term or switch auto insurance providers before their current policy ends. The truth is, you usually have more flexibility […]
What to Do If Someone Refuses to Give Insurance Details After an Accident
July 12, 2019
If you are involved in an auto accident and the other driver refuses to provide their insurance information, all hope is not lost. It’s frustrating, but it does not automatically mean you’ll be stuck paying for everything out of pocket. The key is to stay calm, gather as much information as you can, and follow […]