Reader’s Question:

Would you know what discounts auto insurance companies in Georgia offer?

Kim

Albany, GA

It’s good to know that you want to be a well-informed consumer. Well, different auto insurance companies offer different types of discounts, so you will have to get on the phone with your auto agent in Georgia to find out what they offer.

To give you a few hints, here are the most common types of discounts that auto insurance companies offer as incentives to their customers. Some auto insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with safety devices and anti-theft devices, so consider having some installed if you don’t already have them. Other auto insurance companies offer discounts for insuring more than one vehicle. An annual policy may also be more cost-effective. Your mileage may also affect the auto insurance rates that you get, so check the distances that you’re driving. Choosing to make your payments via credit card may also slash a bit off your auto insurance rates compared to mail payments. Some auto insurance companies will also give a discount for drivers that have taken defensive driving courses. You may also want to consider combining your auto insurance with your home insurance, as well, to get some more discounts.

I’m sure with all these tips you’ll see a whopping savings on your next auto insurance.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company, Car insurance discounts

Reader’s Question:

My car insurance agent here in Georgia is pressing me to get comprehensive insurance and collision insurance. I just want to get whatever insurance the state requires, but he says it will cost more in the long run. Is this true?

Norman,

Albany, GA

Hey there Norman. With the rising cost of car insurance premiums, who can blame you for cutting back on some costs? I think the best way to start would be to explain what this extra coverage is for.

Most states only require liability insurance. This will give you coverage in case of damage or death to other people and their possessions. This will not pay for repairs on damages to your vehicle.

This is where collision insurance comes in. Say a tree suddenly appeared on the side of the road, and you hit it. If you didn’t have collision insurance, you’d have to repair your car out of your own pocket. For comprehensive insurance, this would cover anything else that could happen, like if someone steals your car.

I guess that there is just no right or wrong answer to this question. If you drive carefully and no accidents occur, then the collision and comprehensive insurance costs you shell out for will just add to the insurance company’s riches. However, if something does happen and you need to file a claim on your collision or comprehensive insurance coverage, then your insurance payment premiums would have saved you oodles of dough compared to if you were paying out of your own bank account.

Why don’t you call your Georgia and ask him to help you weigh the benefits of the car insurance company’s offers and how it will affect your finances personally

Tags: auto insurance, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage

Reader’s Question:

I just bought my first car here in Georgia. Can you give me any tips or pointers on how to choose the best auto insurance company?

Angela

Columbus, GA

Hello, Angela. Choosing which auto insurance company to have is a very difficult task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Be sure to check if the best auto insurance company has a license to operate here in Georgia. Not all auto insurance companies have the license to operate in all states. Contact the state insurance department to verify this. And then, of course, compare premium rates. Shop around for the best auto insurance company in Georgia. Different insurance companies offer different premium rates and discounts. You may even consider online auto insurance. Make sure that the auto insurance company you will consider is financially solid. You need to be sure that the company will be around for a long time to be able to cover you when you need coverage. Again, you can go online to research. There are independent websites that provide performance ratings for the best insurance companies. Check the insurance company’s service. You need to be sure that their agents or representatives are competent enough to provide you maximum assistance. The insurance company or the agent should be readily available to provide you with answers and benefits. Be comfortable with the auto insurance company you are going to choose. Make sure that the agent or company is easily accessible if you have a question or need to file a claim.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

There are just so many auto insurance companies out here in Atlanta Georgia. How can I tell if I choose the right one?

Eva

Atlanta, GA

Hi Eva, you’re right! It is quite a challenge to choose when there are so many to choose from. I can’t say which automotive insurance company is the right one, but I can give you some tips so you can choose which one is the best fit for you.

First of all, you may want to gather some quotes from different providers. There are quite a number of sites on the internet which will gladly give you free insurance quotes from various automobile insurance companies. You will most likely have to fill in a form with your details. Once you have your quotes, you will now be able to assess which companies are able to give you coverage within your budget. Choose the most affordable one which will give you ample coverage. Remember, cheaper is not necessarily always better. You may get an insurance with a cheaper premium but will leave you hanging once an accident happens giving you more out of pocket expenses. It would also be good to check their financial ratings as this will tell you their ability to shell out the cash in case something happens. Another tip is to head to your local automobile repair center in Atlanta, Georgia. These shops deal with insurers often and will be able to tell you which ones have the best customer service, and where it is easier to claim if the need arises.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

I am required to obtain SR22 insurance and I was told by the car insurance company that I need to make a payment for six months up front and they said this is according to the Georgia Law. Is this correct?

Bryan

Augusta, GA

If you are required to get an SR22 then you will need to show proof an up front payment for a period of six months of SR22 insurance. The SR22 insurance must be carried for a period of 3 years

Future proof of insurance certificates (SR22/SR22A) are required in cases of:

• Habitual Violator with a probationary license (SR22)
• Unsatisfied judgment (SR22A).

The liability insurance policy does not provide absolute auto insurance coverage and you may be required to carry this for a period of six months, 1 year or 3 years and this depends on different circumstances. If an SR22 insurance is not premium finance the department considers the auto insurance policy to be in full payment. If the car insurance policy is terminated or canceled before normal lapse, the next SR22 filing must be issued on a policy full payment which carries a new policy number.

Tags: auto insurance, sr22 insurance